Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Grand Forks, ND: $22.24 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Grand Forks, ND runs $22.24 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $46,247 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Grand Forks's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.0, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $24.17 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $27,755 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Veterinary technologists and technicians in Grand Forks, North Dakota, can expect a median hourly pay of $22.24, which is lower than the national hourly median of $24.03. This figure reflects a healthy range within the local job market, with entry-level positions starting at approximately $16.42, while top earners may reach around $28.72 per hour. For veterinary professionals working part-time—typically around three days a week—this hourly rate translates to significant earning potential, particularly in various settings such as general practices, specialty hospitals, and teaching clinics. Per-diem opportunities can also be lucrative, allowing flexibility in schedules while offering a consistent income stream, as hourly rates across positions are estimated from annual salary data.
About the Grand Forks Market
Salary estimated from North Dakota average ($38,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $16.42 | $131.33 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $17.90 | $143.23 |
| Median (P50) | $22.24 | $177.92 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $27.08 | $216.65 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $28.72 | $229.74 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Grand Forks
Based on $22.24/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $22.24/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Grand Forks, ND can expect to earn approximately $46,258 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $26,687. With a cost-of-living index of 92.00 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Grand Forks.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Grand Forks
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $889.58 | $3,855 | $46,258 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $533.75 | $2,313 | $27,755 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $355.83 | $1,542 | $18,503 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Grand Forks) | $22.24 |
| 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 Grand Forks, ND earn a median of $46,247 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.48% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 0.60% above the North Dakota state average of $45,971.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $22.24/hr = $27,755/year (purchasing power: $30,168).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $46,258/year (purchasing power: $50,280).
CoL index: 92 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$15.71/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$21.08/hr
2026 Current Est.
$22.24/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Grand Forks (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $15.71/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $16.61/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.78/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $18.84/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $18.62/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $16.90/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $21.08/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $22.24/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $23.46/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Grand Forks grew 34.1% from $15.71/hr (2019) to $21.08/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $23.46/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 Grand Forks 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 Grand Forks
When considering part-time versus full-time work, a veterinary technologist or technician working three days a week may bring in substantial earnings, yet those hours yield a different annual income compared to full-time counterparts. Per-diem veterinary technologists and technicians in Grand Forks often find themselves commanding pay rates from $25 to $40 per hour, especially in high-demand roles such as specialty care and emergency services. For instance, those with Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) credentials can earn between $35 and $55 per hour in specialized facilities. Moreover, the variation in pay often depends on the type of employer; general practices may offer stable, but lower, rates compared to corporate hospitals or specialty clinics that may pay higher, albeit with less comprehensive benefits. Many in the field must weigh the security of lower hourly rates with benefits against the allure of a higher pay rate without the safety net of health insurance. When negotiating pay in this dynamic environment, understanding local market conditions and being aware of salary expectations from similar organizations can provide a clearer pathway to achieving competitive compensation.
More salary data for Grand Forks, ND:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Grand Forks in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Grand Forks?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Grand Forks paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Grand Forks?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Grand Forks?
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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 Grand Forks. 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 Grand Forks 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