Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Albany, OR: $27.13 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Albany, OR runs $27.13 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $56,431 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Albany's regional price level (BEA RPP 102.6, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $26.45 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $33,864 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Veterinary technologists and technicians in Albany, Oregon, can expect a median hourly wage of $27.13, significantly higher than the national median hourly rate of $24.03. This premium reflects the increased demand for skilled professionals in a region grappling with a veterinary workforce shortage. For part-time workers, such as those engaged in general practice or specialty hospital roles, this hourly rate results in a substantial income, allowing for flexibility while still earning a competitive wage. The pay scale in Albany varies considerably, with entry-level positions starting around $20.30 and experienced technicians or those specializing reaching up to $35.16 per hour. This payment structure provides a robust opportunity for those considering per-diem work in various settings, including university clinics or wildlife rehabilitation.
About the Albany Market
Salary estimated from Oregon average ($48,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $20.30 | $162.39 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.97 | $175.72 |
| Median (P50) | $27.13 | $217.08 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $32.61 | $260.88 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $35.16 | $281.31 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Albany
Based on $27.13/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $27.13/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Albany, OR can expect to earn approximately $56,440 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $32,562. With a cost-of-living index of 102.60 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Albany.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Albany
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,085.38 | $4,703 | $56,440 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $651.23 | $2,822 | $33,864 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $434.15 | $1,881 | $22,576 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Albany) | $27.13 |
| 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 Albany, OR earn a median of $56,431 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.89% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 0.90% above the Oregon state average of $55,928.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $27.13/hr = $33,864/year (purchasing power: $33,006).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $56,440/year (purchasing power: $55,010).
CoL index: 102.6 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$19.17/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$25.72/hr
2026 Current Est.
$27.13/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Albany (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $19.17/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $19.68/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $20.00/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $20.76/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $17.48/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.89/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $25.72/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $27.13/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $28.63/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Albany grew 34.1% from $19.17/hr (2019) to $25.72/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $28.63/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 Albany 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 Albany
When assessing earning potential, part-time veterinary technologists and technicians working three days a week may find their income significantly different from full-time counterparts. For instance, working 24 hours a week could yield an annual take-home considerably less than a full-time schedule, although this flexibility appeals to many in the field. Per-diem and agency workers benefit from variable hourly rates, often billing between $25-$40, while specialized VTS-credentialed techs command even higher rates, potentially between $35-$55 per hour. Employers in Albany, such as corporate chain hospitals, specialty referral facilities, and universities, offer varying pay scales, impacting the overall hourly wage. Some individuals opt for lower-paying positions in exchange for comprehensive benefits, while others prioritize higher hourly rates without benefits. To effectively negotiate pay, aspiring or current technicians should consider local market rates and familiarize themselves with the needs of their employers, enhancing their bargaining power.
More salary data for Albany, OR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Albany in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Albany?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Albany paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Albany?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Albany?
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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 Albany. 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 Albany 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