Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Salem, OR: $25.01 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Salem, OR runs $25.01 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $52,022 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Salem's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.6, 4% above national), each hour of work buys what $24.13 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $31,218 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, veterinary technologists and technicians in Salem, Oregon, are projected to earn a median hourly pay of $25.01, which is slightly above the national median of $24.03. This competitive rate benefits part-time and per-diem workers who operate in various settings, including general practice clinics, specialty hospital ICU and emergency care wards, university teaching hospital clinics, and even aquatic facilities like zoos and aquariums. With entry-level positions starting at approximately $15.91 and more experienced staff earning up to $31.41 per hour, the range highlights significant earning potential as professionals gain expertise in this high-demand field. This data, based on 2025 BLS OEWS information and projected for 2026, outlines the financial rewards associated with these critical roles in the veterinary sector.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $15.91 | $127.28 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.09 | $192.69 |
| Median (P50) | $25.01 | $200.11 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $29.20 | $233.62 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $31.41 | $251.26 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Salem
Based on $25.01/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $25.01/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Salem, OR can expect to earn approximately $52,029 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $30,017. With a cost-of-living index of 103.65 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Salem.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Salem
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,000.56 | $4,336 | $52,029 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $600.34 | $2,601 | $31,218 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $400.22 | $1,734 | $20,812 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Salem) | $25.01 |
| 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 Salem, OR earn a median of $52,022 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.07% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 7.00% below the Oregon state average of $55,938.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $25.01/hr = $31,218/year (purchasing power: $30,119).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $52,029/year (purchasing power: $50,198).
CoL index: 103.649 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$16.35/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.71/hr
2026 Current Est.
$25.01/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+61.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Salem (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $16.35/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $16.98/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.94/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $19.40/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.92/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.05/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.71/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $25.01/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26.39/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Salem grew 45.0% from $16.35/hr (2019) to $23.71/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $26.39/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 Salem 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 Salem
Looking at the potential earnings for part-time veterinary technologists and technicians working three days a week, the annual compensation can substantially differ from those in full-time positions. For example, a part-time worker averaging 24 hours may bring home significantly less than their full-time counterparts, which can influence many to seek per-diem opportunities. Typically, per-diem veterinary technologists bill between $25 and $40 per hour, while those with VTS credentials in specialty areas can earn $35 to $55 per hour. In Salem, rates can vary based on employer types; general practices might pay less than specialized referral hospitals or research facilities. The trade-off between higher hourly rates without benefits and lower rates with health insurance is a common consideration for those in the field. For hourly workers negotiating their pay, understanding local market trends, considering additional certifications, and discussing compensation openly with employers can help secure a fair wage that reflects their skills and experience in this evolving workforce.
More salary data for Salem, OR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Salem in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Salem?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Salem paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Salem?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Salem?
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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 Salem. 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