Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in West Fargo, ND: $21.73 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in West Fargo, ND runs $21.73 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $45,195 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against West Fargo's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.0, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $23.62 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $27,123 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In West Fargo, veterinary technologists and technicians can expect a median hourly rate of $21.73, which reflects a notable gap from the national median of $24.03. This hourly wage sets the stage for various employment scenarios, particularly for part-time and per-diem workers frequently found in clinical environments such as general practice treatment areas and specialty hospitals. Those working three days a week could earn a steady income while enjoying flexibility, earning approximately $1,042 weekly based on a 24-hour schedule. For entry-level positions, hourly pay typically starts at $16.52, while experienced technicians can command up to $29.16, which illustrates the potential for income growth as skills and experience increase.
About the West Fargo 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) | $16.52 | $132.17 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $17.70 | $141.62 |
| Median (P50) | $21.73 | $173.86 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $25.54 | $204.33 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $29.16 | $233.28 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in West Fargo
Based on $21.73/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $21.73/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in West Fargo, ND can expect to earn approximately $45,205 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $26,080. With a cost-of-living index of 92.00 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in West Fargo.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in West Fargo
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $869.32 | $3,767 | $45,205 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $521.59 | $2,260 | $27,123 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $347.73 | $1,507 | $18,082 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (West Fargo) | $21.73 |
| 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 West Fargo, ND earn a median of $45,195 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.58% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 1.70% below the North Dakota state average of $45,977.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $21.73/hr = $27,123/year (purchasing power: $29,481).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $45,205/year (purchasing power: $49,135).
CoL index: 92 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$15.36/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$20.60/hr
2026 Current Est.
$21.73/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in West Fargo (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $15.36/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $15.77/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $16.02/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $16.63/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $19.02/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $16.52/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $20.60/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $21.73/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $22.93/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in West Fargo grew 34.1% from $15.36/hr (2019) to $20.60/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $22.93/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 West 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 West Fargo
Part-time veterinary technologists and technicians in West Fargo might find their annual earnings significantly lower than their full-time counterparts. For instance, those working 24 hours per week could take home about $54,250 annually, compared to a full-time professional making around $45,195 a year. Per-diem and agency roles present different earning possibilities; many charge $25-$40 per hour, with VTS-certified specialty technicians often earning between $35 and $55 hourly. In markets with staffing shortages, weekend or overnight shifts can pay anywhere from $30 to $50 an hour, reflecting the acute demand for skilled labor. Pay rates can also vary depending on employer type, with general practices typically offering lower wages than corporate or specialty hospitals, which may also provide benefits like health insurance. For those negotiating their hourly rate, it is essential to weigh the value of benefits against higher wages that might not include insurance coverage, allowing for strategic career choices in West Fargo's evolving job market.
More salary data for West Fargo, ND:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in West Fargo in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in West Fargo?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in West Fargo paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in West Fargo?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in West 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 West 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
Salary data for West Fargo 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