Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Lake Oswego, OR: $26.32 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Lake Oswego, OR runs $26.32 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $54,740 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Lake Oswego's regional price level (BEA RPP 102.6, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $25.66 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $32,850 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Lake Oswego, Oregon, the veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay is projected to be $26.32 in 2026, surpassing the national hourly median of $24.03 by 9.51%. This higher rate reflects the growing demand for these professionals in various settings such as general practice clinics, specialty hospitals, and even pharmaceutical research facilities. For those working part-time—approximately three days a week—this hourly wage means a stable income that can support their financial needs while allowing flexibility. For entry-level positions, hourly rates start at around $19.86, whereas experienced technicians can earn as much as $33.57, demonstrating a significant earning potential that varies based on experience and specialization.
About the Lake Oswego 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) | $19.86 | $158.84 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.31 | $170.49 |
| Median (P50) | $26.32 | $210.58 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $31.37 | $250.92 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $33.57 | $268.56 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lake Oswego
Based on $26.32/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $26.32/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lake Oswego, OR can expect to earn approximately $54,750 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $31,587. With a cost-of-living index of 102.60 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Lake Oswego.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lake Oswego
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,052.89 | $4,563 | $54,750 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $631.73 | $2,738 | $32,850 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $421.16 | $1,825 | $21,900 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Lake Oswego) | $26.32 |
| 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 Lake Oswego, OR earn a median of $54,740 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.51% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 2.10% below the Oregon state average of $55,914.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $26.32/hr = $32,850/year (purchasing power: $32,018).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $54,750/year (purchasing power: $53,363).
CoL index: 102.6 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$18.60/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$24.95/hr
2026 Current Est.
$26.32/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Lake Oswego (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.60/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $19.09/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $19.40/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $20.14/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.03/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.18/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $24.95/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $26.32/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $27.77/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Lake Oswego grew 34.1% from $18.60/hr (2019) to $24.95/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $27.77/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 Lake Oswego 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 Lake Oswego
Consider the implications of part-time work in this field. A veterinary technologist and technician working 24 hours a week can earn approximately $33,785 annually at the median hourly pay, which offers a respectable income while focusing on other pursuits or responsibilities. Those engaging in per-diem work can see variable pay rates; per diem veterinary technologist and technician pay in Lake Oswego typically ranges from $25 to $40 per hour, while VTS-credentialed specialty technicians can command between $35 and $55 per hour. Employers such as corporate chain hospitals, specialty referral centers, or zoo and aquarium facilities may offer differing pay scales, often reflecting the complexity and responsibilities associated with their specific environments. It's essential for technicians to weigh the benefits of health insurance against higher hourly rates that may lack benefits. When negotiating pay, consider stressing relevant credentials and specialties, as employers often value expertise, especially in a market experiencing a notable workforce shortage.
More salary data for Lake Oswego, OR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Lake Oswego in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Lake Oswego?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Lake Oswego paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Lake Oswego?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Lake Oswego?
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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 Lake Oswego. 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 Lake Oswego 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