Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Eugene, OR: $25.44 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Eugene, OR runs $25.44 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $52,898 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Eugene's regional price level (BEA RPP 101.6, 2% above national), each hour of work buys what $25.04 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $31,744 per year.
Official BLS data · View source

In Eugene, Oregon, veterinary technologists and technicians earn a median hourly pay of $25.44, which is notably higher than the national median of $24.03. This competitive rate reflects the local demand for skilled professionals adept in areas such as general practice, specialty hospitals, and university teaching clinics. For part-time workers, typically those employed three days a week, this translates to a consistent income that can support a stable lifestyle. The hourly pay range is quite broad, starting at $20.04 for entry-level positions and going up to $31.68 for experienced technicians. These figures, sourced from the 2025 BLS OEWS data projected to 2026, highlight the diverse earning potential available across Eugene, including opportunities for those seeking per diem roles in various veterinary settings, from research facilities to animal medical units in zoos and aquariums.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $20.04 | $160.36 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.34 | $194.71 |
| Median (P50) | $25.44 | $203.49 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $29.95 | $239.61 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $31.68 | $253.45 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Eugene
Based on $25.44/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $25.44/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Eugene, OR can expect to earn approximately $52,907 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $30,523. With a cost-of-living index of 101.57 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Eugene.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Eugene
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,017.44 | $4,409 | $52,907 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $610.47 | $2,645 | $31,744 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $406.98 | $1,764 | $21,163 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Eugene) | $25.44 |
| 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 Eugene, OR earn a median of $52,898 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.83% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 5.40% below the Oregon state average of $55,917.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $25.44/hr = $31,744/year (purchasing power: $31,254).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $52,907/year (purchasing power: $52,090).
CoL index: 101.568 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$15.55/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$24.11/hr
2026 Current Est.
$25.44/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+72.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Eugene (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $15.55/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $15.86/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.36/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $18.57/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $19.50/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $22.68/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $24.11/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $25.44/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26.84/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Eugene grew 55.0% from $15.55/hr (2019) to $24.11/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $26.84/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 Eugene 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 Eugene
Exploring the nuances of veterinary technologist and technician pay in Eugene reveals varied earning potentials, especially for part-time professionals. Working a 24-hour week would yield an annual income significantly lower than that of full-time colleagues, yet many opt for this flexibility, balancing work with personal commitments. Per diem positions add another layer, with rates typically ranging between $25 and $40 per hour for standard roles, while Veterinary Technician Specialists (VTS) can command fees as high as $55 hourly in specialty facilities. Different employer types, such as corporate chains or specialty hospitals, can substantially influence pay rates, with some offering comprehensive health benefits, which might be less with higher hourly wages in contract roles. Negotiation remains key, with candidates encouraged to advocate for their value based on experience and specialization. Understanding the dynamics of the veterinary market in Eugene will greatly assist veterinary technicians in maximizing their career potential while considering the benefits associated with solid, permanent positions versus higher-paying, flexible roles.
More salary data for Eugene, OR:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Eugene. 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