Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Oklahoma City, OK: $20.41 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Oklahoma City, OK runs $20.41 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $42,474 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Oklahoma City's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.4, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $22.58 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $25,477 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Oklahoma City, the veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay is projected to be $20.41 in 2026, which is notably lower than the national median hourly rate of $24.03. This local rate suggests differing opportunities for part-time workers in various veterinary settings, such as general practice clinics, specialty hospitals, and university teaching hospitals. For individuals working part-time, typically three days a week, the compensation offers a viable income but may not reflect the same benefits as full-time positions. Within the local pay scale, the hourly range varies significantly, starting at $17.99 for entry-level roles and reaching up to $26.32 for top earners, creating a diverse earning potential depending on experience and specialty.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $17.99 | $143.90 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $18.91 | $151.24 |
| Median (P50) | $20.41 | $163.31 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $23.89 | $191.08 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $26.32 | $210.58 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Oklahoma City
Based on $20.41/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $20.41/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Oklahoma City, OK can expect to earn approximately $42,462 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $24,497. With a cost-of-living index of 90.41 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Oklahoma City.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Oklahoma City
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $816.57 | $3,538 | $42,462 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $489.94 | $2,123 | $25,477 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $326.63 | $1,415 | $16,985 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Oklahoma City) | $20.41 |
| 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 Oklahoma City, OK earn a median of $42,474 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.03% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 4.40% below the Oklahoma state average of $44,429.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $20.41/hr = $25,477/year (purchasing power: $28,180).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $42,462/year (purchasing power: $46,967).
CoL index: 90.408 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$13.48/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$19.35/hr
2026 Current Est.
$20.41/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+59.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Oklahoma City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $13.48/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $15.21/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $16.95/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $16.97/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $17.22/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $18.67/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $19.35/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $20.41/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $21.54/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Oklahoma City grew 43.5% from $13.48/hr (2019) to $19.35/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $21.54/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 Oklahoma City 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 Oklahoma City
For those considering part-time positions, working 24 hours per week will yield a different income trajectory compared to full-time roles. Per diem veterinary technologist and technician pay in Oklahoma City can reach between $25 and $40 per hour. Specialty technicians with Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) credentials can command between $35 and $55 per hour, particularly for weekend or overnight shifts at busy emergency clinics. Employers such as corporate chain hospitals may offer more stability in terms of benefits despite the lower hourly rate, while contract work could provide higher pay but with limited job security and benefits. Negotiation tips for hourly workers include assessing the overall package instead of just focusing on the rate, allowing for better compensation discussions that consider healthcare options and scheduling flexibility, making it essential for veterinary professionals navigating their career paths in Oklahoma City.
More salary data for Oklahoma City, OK:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Oklahoma City in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Oklahoma City?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Oklahoma City paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Oklahoma City?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Oklahoma City?
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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 Oklahoma City. 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