Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Elko, NV: $22.10 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Elko, NV runs $22.10 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $45,976 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Elko's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.3, 2% below national), each hour of work buys what $22.48 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $27,584 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Elko, NV, the projected veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay for 2026 stands at $22.10, falling slightly below the national median of $24.03. This hourly rate reflects what professionals in this field can expect to earn across various work environments, including general practice treatment areas, specialty hospitals, and university teaching clinics. For those considering part-time positions, such as working three days a week, the earning potential translates into a stable income that can be supplemented by additional shifts or per-diem work, where flexibility is paramount. The hourly pay ranges from $18.48 at the lower end (10th percentile) to $26.75 at the higher end (90th percentile), enabling both entry-level workers and seasoned professionals to find their place within the competitive landscape of veterinary care.
About the Elko Market
Salary estimated from Nevada average ($42,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.48 | $147.87 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.17 | $153.35 |
| Median (P50) | $22.10 | $176.82 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $25.58 | $204.67 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $26.75 | $214.04 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Elko
Based on $22.10/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $22.10/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Elko, NV can expect to earn approximately $45,973 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $26,523. With a cost-of-living index of 98.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Elko.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Elko
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $884.09 | $3,831 | $45,973 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $530.45 | $2,299 | $27,584 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $353.64 | $1,532 | $18,389 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Elko) | $22.10 |
| 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 Elko, NV earn a median of $45,976 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.02% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 6.40% below the Nevada state average of $49,119.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $22.10/hr = $27,584/year (purchasing power: $28,061).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $45,973/year (purchasing power: $46,768).
CoL index: 98.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$15.62/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$20.95/hr
2026 Current Est.
$22.10/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Elko (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $15.62/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $16.03/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $16.29/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $16.91/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $19.34/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $18.57/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $20.95/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $22.10/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $23.32/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Elko grew 34.1% from $15.62/hr (2019) to $20.95/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $23.32/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 Elko 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 Elko
When analyzing the earning potential for part-time veterinary technologists and technicians in Elko, those who work a structured 24-hour week can expect their annual take-home to differ significantly from full-time employees. Per-diem positions often pay higher, with rates frequently ranging from $25 to $40 per hour, attracting those who prefer to avoid the commitment of full-time roles. Furthermore, specialized veterinary technician roles, particularly in areas like emergency and critical care or specialty services, can command hourly rates between $30 and $55, especially during nights or weekends when coverage is urgently needed. Different employer types influence hourly pay; for instance, corporate chain hospitals may offer less than specialized veterinary centers, yet they often provide comprehensive health benefits. Therefore, some professionals may choose to accept lower hourly rates in exchange for job security and healthcare coverage. Negotiating hourly rates in this labor market requires a keen understanding of these trade-offs, along with a readiness to highlight specialized credentials such as VTS, which significantly enhance earning potential.
More salary data for Elko, NV:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Elko in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Elko?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Elko paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Elko?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Elko?
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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 Elko. 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 Elko 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