Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Waipahu, HI: $28.09 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Waipahu, HI runs $28.09 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $58,434 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Waipahu's regional price level (BEA RPP 119.3, 19% above national), each hour of work buys what $23.55 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,062 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Waipahu, Hawaii, veterinary technologists and technicians can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $28.09, significantly higher than the national median of $24.03. This rate provides a favorable outlook for part-time and per-diem workers operating in diverse environments, such as general practice settings, specialty hospital ICU wards, and even university teaching hospitals. The hourly earnings illustrate a range from $21.25 at the low end, which may attract entry-level applicants, to $37.62 for those with more experience or advanced credentials. Thus, professionals in this field can leverage their skills across various practice types, from clinics to pharmaceutical research facilities, reflecting the growing demand and competitive nature of veterinary care in Waipahu.
About the Waipahu Market
Salary estimated from Hawaii average ($46,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $21.25 | $169.98 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.79 | $182.30 |
| Median (P50) | $28.09 | $224.76 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $32.91 | $263.24 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $37.62 | $300.97 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Waipahu
Based on $28.09/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.09/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Waipahu, HI can expect to earn approximately $58,437 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $33,714. With a cost-of-living index of 119.30 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Waipahu.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Waipahu
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,123.79 | $4,870 | $58,437 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $674.27 | $2,922 | $35,062 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $449.51 | $1,948 | $23,375 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Waipahu) | $28.09 |
| Veterinary Assistant (National Avg) | $17.99 |
| Veterinarian (National Avg) | $60.38 |
| Animal Care and Service Worker (National Avg) | $15.87 |
| Medical Lab Technician (National Avg) | $28.18 |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Waipahu, HI earn a median of $58,434 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.90% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 2.00% below the Hawaii state average of $59,627.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.09/hr = $35,062/year (purchasing power: $29,390).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $58,437/year (purchasing power: $48,983).
CoL index: 119.3 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$19.85/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$26.63/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.09/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Waipahu (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $19.85/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $20.38/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $20.71/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $21.49/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $24.58/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $25.85/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $26.63/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.09/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.64/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Waipahu grew 34.1% from $19.85/hr (2019) to $26.63/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.64/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem veterinary technologists and technicians can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Waipahu metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 5.50% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Veterinary Technologist and Technician in Waipahu
When working part-time, a veterinary technologist and technician who works approximately 24 hours a week may see a lower annual income compared to full-time colleagues but can still achieve a respectable income. For instance, part-time workers might take home around $35,000 annually, depending on their specific roles and hours worked. Additionally, per diem veterinary technologist and technician pay in Waipahu tends to vary widely, with hourly rates generally ranging from $25 to $40, and specialty-credentialed techs earning as much as $35 to $55 per hour. It's common for professionals at understaffed emergency hospitals to command $30 to $50 per hour during peak times. As employers differ in their compensation strategies, those in corporate and specialty settings might offer higher pay yet less comprehensive benefits compared to smaller clinics that provide health insurance. Veterinary professionals should therefore weigh the advantages of negotiated pay rates against the benefits outlined in their employment packages, and not hesitate to advocate for their worth based on the competitive hourly rates seen across the region.
More salary data for Waipahu, HI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Waipahu in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Waipahu?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Waipahu paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Waipahu?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Waipahu?
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Written by Jordan Lee, CVT
Career Analyst
Jordan has 10 years of experience in veterinary technology. They specialize in emergency care. Jordan has worked in both clinic and hospital settings.
Methodology & Data Source
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 5.50% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for veterinary technologists and technicians in Waipahu. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Waipahu is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.50%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for veterinary technologist and technicians (SOC 29-2056).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, CVT, a licensed veterinary technologist and technician with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov