Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Bethesda, MD: $25.37 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Bethesda, MD runs $25.37 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $52,770 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Bethesda's regional price level (BEA RPP 109.3, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $23.21 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $31,665 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Bethesda, Maryland, the projected hourly pay for veterinary technologists and technicians in 2026 is $25.37, distinctly higher than the national median of $24.03. This competitive hourly rate can make part-time positions attractive for those looking to work three days a week, as they would earn around $1,042 per week, totaling approximately $54,184 annually. For per-diem workers, this translates into vital flexibility while accessing a pay range from $19.14 to $34.19 per hour, depending on experience and specialization. Those at the entry level can expect to start around $19.14, while the highest earners in specialty hospitals and advanced care can see rates approaching $34.19. As these figures are shaped by the rising demand for veterinary services, they reflect the significant impact of location and employer type on pay.
About the Bethesda Market
Salary estimated from Maryland average ($44,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $19.14 | $153.10 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.73 | $165.85 |
| Median (P50) | $25.37 | $202.98 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $31.21 | $249.66 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $34.19 | $273.54 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Bethesda
Based on $25.37/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $25.37/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Bethesda, MD can expect to earn approximately $52,775 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $30,447. With a cost-of-living index of 109.30 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Bethesda.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Bethesda
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,014.91 | $4,398 | $52,775 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $608.95 | $2,639 | $31,665 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $405.96 | $1,759 | $21,110 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Bethesda) | $25.37 |
| 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 Bethesda, MD earn a median of $52,770 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.57% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 3.40% below the Maryland state average of $54,627.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $25.37/hr = $31,665/year (purchasing power: $28,971).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $52,775/year (purchasing power: $48,285).
CoL index: 109.3 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$17.93/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$24.05/hr
2026 Current Est.
$25.37/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Bethesda (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.93/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.41/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.70/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $19.41/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.20/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $22.33/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $24.05/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $25.37/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26.77/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Bethesda grew 34.1% from $17.93/hr (2019) to $24.05/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $26.77/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 Bethesda 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 Bethesda
Taking a deeper look at earning potential, a veterinary technologist or technician working part-time for 24 hours a week might make about $54,184 a year, which is quite variable compared to full-time salaries based on a 40-hour work week. The per-diem or agency model offers another avenue, where technicians can earn $25 to $40 per hour, with VTS-credentialed specialty technicians commanding $35 to $55 per hour. Weekend or overnight shifts—which are often harder to fill—typically range from $30 to $50 per hour. In Bethesda, pay rates can differ substantially depending on the type of employer: general practice clinics may offer lower pay compared to specialized referral hospitals or research facilities. Additionally, technicians face a choice between higher hourly rates without benefits and slightly lower rates that include health insurance coverage. Negotiation strategies for hourly workers should emphasize skill sets relevant to today's market, such as specialization and willingness to cover shifts in high-demand areas, significantly impacting the overall career trajectory in this growing field.
More salary data for Bethesda, MD:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Bethesda in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Bethesda?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Bethesda paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Bethesda?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Bethesda?
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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 Bethesda. 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 Bethesda 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