Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Fargo, ND: $25.01 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Fargo, ND runs $25.01 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $52,022 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Fargo's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.9, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $27.53 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $31,218 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
Veterinary technologists and technicians in Fargo, North Dakota, can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $25.01, which is notably higher than the national hourly median of $24.03. This competitive pay reflects the growing demand for skilled professionals in diverse settings such as general practice, specialty hospitals, university clinics, and research facilities. For those working part-time—approximately three days a week—this translates into a feasible earning potential that helps sustain their livelihood. Entry-level workers may find themselves starting at around $19.44 per hour, while more experienced professionals can command up to $29.12, underscoring a spectrum of opportunities and income potential in this vital healthcare field.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $19.44 | $155.55 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.40 | $171.16 |
| Median (P50) | $25.01 | $200.11 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $27.92 | $223.32 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $29.12 | $232.94 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Fargo
Based on $25.01/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $25.01/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Fargo, ND can expect to earn approximately $52,029 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $30,017. With a cost-of-living index of 90.87 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Fargo.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Fargo
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,000.56 | $4,336 | $52,029 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $600.34 | $2,601 | $31,218 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $400.22 | $1,734 | $20,812 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Fargo) | $25.01 |
| 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 Fargo, ND earn a median of $52,022 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.07% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 13.10% above the North Dakota state average of $45,997.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $25.01/hr = $31,218/year (purchasing power: $34,354).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $52,029/year (purchasing power: $57,256).
CoL index: 90.871 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$15.43/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.71/hr
2026 Current Est.
$25.01/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+71.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Fargo (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $15.43/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $16.94/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.62/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $17.73/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $18.90/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $22.98/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.71/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $25.01/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26.39/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Fargo grew 53.7% from $15.43/hr (2019) to $23.71/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $26.39/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 Fargo 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 Fargo
The financial reality for veterinary technologists and technicians can significantly vary based on employment type and workload. For instance, a part-time employee working 24 hours a week may take home an annualized income that is less than a full-time counterpart, but still maintains a decent standard of living due to the hourly pay rates. Per diem and agency workers also have the potential for higher rates, billing anywhere from $25 to $40 per hour, particularly in urgent care settings where weekend or overnight shifts might reach $30 to $50—the latter in response to the overwhelming demand across Fargo's veterinary landscape. Additionally, the employer's type plays a major role in the rate; specialists, academic institutions, and corporate clinics often offer different pay scales and perhaps benefits packages that can influence the overall satisfaction of the job. For those navigating these waters, understanding the subtleties of contract negotiations can help shape a rewarding career, balancing hourly pay against potential benefits for both personal and professional health.
More salary data for Fargo, ND:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Fargo in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Fargo?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Fargo paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Fargo?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Fargo?
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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 Fargo. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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