Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Happy Valley, OR: $25.57 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Happy Valley, OR runs $25.57 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $53,181 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Happy Valley's regional price level (BEA RPP 102.6, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $24.93 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $31,915 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Happy Valley, Oregon, the veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay is projected to be $25.57 in 2026, exceeding the national median of $24.03. This competitive rate allows for a decent living when considering part-time schedules, such as a typical three-day workweek. For those working in environments like general practice treatment areas, specialty hospital ICUs, or educational institutions, these hourly wages can make a significant impact. Entry-level positions start at around $19.99 per hour, while seasoned professionals can earn upwards of $33.19. Such rates can provide flexibility for per-diem workers, who often find great opportunities in various settings, from veterinary clinics to research facilities. The numbers reflect estimated pay based on annual salary data, so they offer a solid glimpse into the current economic conditions and demand for vet techs in the area.
About the Happy Valley 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) | $19.99 | $159.94 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.11 | $168.88 |
| Median (P50) | $25.57 | $204.59 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $29.55 | $236.40 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $33.19 | $265.52 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Happy Valley
Based on $25.57/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $25.57/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Happy Valley, OR can expect to earn approximately $53,192 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $30,688. With a cost-of-living index of 102.60 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Happy Valley.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Happy Valley
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,022.93 | $4,433 | $53,192 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $613.76 | $2,660 | $31,915 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $409.17 | $1,773 | $21,277 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Happy Valley) | $25.57 |
| 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 Happy Valley, OR earn a median of $53,181 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.39% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 4.90% below the Oregon state average of $55,922.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $25.57/hr = $31,915/year (purchasing power: $31,107).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $53,192/year (purchasing power: $51,844).
CoL index: 102.6 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$18.07/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$24.24/hr
2026 Current Est.
$25.57/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Happy Valley (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.07/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.55/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.85/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $19.56/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.38/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $22.52/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $24.24/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $25.57/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26.98/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Happy Valley grew 34.1% from $18.07/hr (2019) to $24.24/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $26.98/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 Happy Valley 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 Happy Valley
Examining the specifics of part-time earnings, a veterinary technologist and technician working 24 hours a week would translate their hourly compensation into an annual income that may not match a full-time setup but still offers substantial take-home pay relative to the investment of hours. Per-diem technicians, billing between $25 and $40 per hour, often face a different reality. Those holding a VTS credential can see rates soar to between $35 and $55 per hour, especially for weekend or overnight shifts at busy emergency clinics. Various employer types in Happy Valley also influence pay rates. For instance, corporate chain hospitals may offer stability and benefits in exchange for slightly lower hourly rates, while specialty hospitals provide higher pay but might lack full benefits. Negotiating pay can be advantageous; understanding the nuances of employer expectations can help workers in this field secure a pay rate that aligns with their experience and needs, whether they prioritize hourly compensation or benefits.
More salary data for Happy Valley, OR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Happy Valley in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Happy Valley?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Happy Valley paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Happy Valley?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Happy Valley?
Related Pages
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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 Happy Valley. 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 Happy Valley 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