Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Ponca City, OK: $19.84 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Ponca City, OK runs $19.84 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $41,285 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Ponca City's regional price level (BEA RPP 88.9, 11% below national), each hour of work buys what $22.32 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $24,766 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Ponca City, Oklahoma, the veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay reflects a median rate of $19.84. This figure is substantially lower than the national hourly median of $24.03, presenting a unique challenge in local job markets. For part-time workers, such as those engaging in three-day workweeks, this translates to an income of approximately $31,086 annually based on a typical schedule. Entry-level positions in Ponca City start at about $16.45 per hour, while experienced technicians can earn up to $24.94 per hour, depending on their expertise and the specific demands of their roles in various settings, such as general practice clinics, specialty hospitals, universities, and research facilities. The hourly ranges are derived from annual salary estimates, emphasizing the varied financial landscape in which veterinary professionals operate.
About the Ponca City Market
Salary estimated from Oklahoma average ($32,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $16.45 | $131.58 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $17.04 | $136.31 |
| Median (P50) | $19.84 | $158.76 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $23.54 | $188.30 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $24.94 | $199.52 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Ponca City
Based on $19.84/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $19.84/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Ponca City, OK can expect to earn approximately $41,277 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $23,813. With a cost-of-living index of 88.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Ponca City.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Ponca City
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $793.78 | $3,440 | $41,277 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $476.27 | $2,064 | $24,766 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $317.51 | $1,376 | $16,511 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Ponca City) | $19.84 |
| 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 Ponca City, OK earn a median of $41,285 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.41% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 7.10% below the Oklahoma state average of $44,441.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $19.84/hr = $24,766/year (purchasing power: $27,858).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $41,277/year (purchasing power: $46,430).
CoL index: 88.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$14.02/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$18.81/hr
2026 Current Est.
$19.84/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Ponca City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $14.02/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $14.40/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $14.63/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $15.18/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $17.36/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $12.71/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $18.81/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $19.84/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $20.94/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Ponca City grew 34.1% from $14.02/hr (2019) to $18.81/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $20.94/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 Ponca 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 Ponca City
Looking at the conditions for part-time workers, a veterinary technologist and technician employed for a 24-hour workweek may find themselves earning less than their full-time counterparts, which can deter individuals seeking stable financial support. On the other hand, per diem positions offer a different pay structure, with rates ranging from $25 to $40 per hour for general technicians. Those with Veterinary Technician Specialty (VTS) credentials could command $35 to $55 per hour, while weekend and overnight emergency coverage may pay between $30 to $50 an hour due to prevalent shortages in the market. Different employer types, ranging from corporate hospital chains to independent clinic practices, can significantly influence hourly compensation. While some veterinary technologists and technicians may choose roles with lower hourly rates in exchange for benefits like health insurance, others might prioritize higher hourly pay without those advantages. Understanding these dynamics and negotiating based on the specific employer type can enhance earning potential, especially in Ponca City, where the veterinary workforce is facing competition for skilled labor.
More salary data for Ponca City, OK:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Ponca City in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Ponca City?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Ponca City paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Ponca City?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Ponca 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 Ponca 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
Salary data for Ponca City 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