Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Forest Grove, OR: $26.25 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Forest Grove, OR runs $26.25 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $54,596 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Forest Grove's regional price level (BEA RPP 102.6, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $25.58 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $32,758 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Forest Grove, Oregon, the veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay is set to be $26.25 in 2026, offering a competitive edge compared to the national median hourly rate of $24.03. This pay structure significantly benefits both part-time workers, who typically log around three days a week, and per-diem employees who may earn more flexible hourly wages based on their roles. Entry-level positions can expect to start at approximately $19.70 per hour, while experienced technicians, particularly those working in specialized environments, can achieve rates as high as $33.35 per hour. This broad range reflects the varied responsibilities and settings that veterinary technologists and technicians encounter, from general practice clinics to specialty hospitals and academic institutions.
About the Forest Grove 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) | $19.70 | $157.57 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.17 | $169.39 |
| Median (P50) | $26.25 | $209.99 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $31.20 | $249.57 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $33.35 | $266.79 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Forest Grove
Based on $26.25/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $26.25/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Forest Grove, OR can expect to earn approximately $54,597 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $31,498. With a cost-of-living index of 102.60 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Forest Grove.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Forest Grove
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,049.94 | $4,550 | $54,597 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $629.96 | $2,730 | $32,758 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $419.97 | $1,820 | $21,839 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Forest Grove) | $26.25 |
| 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 Forest Grove, OR earn a median of $54,596 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.22% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 2.40% below the Oregon state average of $55,939.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $26.25/hr = $32,758/year (purchasing power: $31,928).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $54,597/year (purchasing power: $53,213).
CoL index: 102.6 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$18.55/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$24.88/hr
2026 Current Est.
$26.25/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Forest Grove (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.55/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $19.04/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $19.35/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $20.08/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.97/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.12/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $24.88/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $26.25/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $27.69/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Forest Grove grew 34.1% from $18.55/hr (2019) to $24.88/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $27.69/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 Forest Grove 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 Forest Grove
Evaluating the financial prospects reveals intriguing earnings potential for part-time and per-diem staff in this profession. A veterinary technologist and technician working part-time at 24 hours a week could expect to bring home around $33,000 annually, which is significantly less than a full-time counterpart earning full benefits. In the per-diem landscape, many professionals can command rates between $25 and $40 per hour, with VTS-credentialed technicians often seeing $35 to $55 per hour for advanced specialties. Diversity in employer types affects hourly pay, as general practice clinics may offer lower wages compared to specialty referral hospitals or corporate chains like VCA and BluePearl. The choice between lower hourly rates with benefits or higher pay without them often comes down to individual circumstances and financial needs. Effective negotiation strategies—such as presenting your qualifications and experience relative to market rates—can significantly influence pay outcomes in Forest Grove.
More salary data for Forest Grove, OR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Forest Grove in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Forest Grove?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Forest Grove paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Forest Grove?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Forest Grove?
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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 Forest Grove. 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 Forest Grove 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