Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in The Dalles, OR: $24.92 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in The Dalles, OR runs $24.92 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $51,827 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against The Dalles's regional price level (BEA RPP 102.6, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $24.29 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $31,099 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
A veterinary technologist and technician in The Dalles, OR, can expect a median hourly rate of $24.92, slightly above the national average of $24.03. This rate offers a substantial earning potential for part-time workers, such as those who may work three days a week, providing approximately $24,000 annually with a typical schedule. In various workplace settings, such as general practice treatment areas, specialty hospital ICU wards, and university clinics, pay can range significantly. Entry-level positions start at about $20.51 per hour, while experienced technicians in specialized roles may see pay scales climb up to $32.00 per hour. The range reflects both the expected entry point for new technicians entering the field and the potential earnings for those with years of experience or advanced specialty certifications.
About the The Dalles 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) | $20.51 | $164.07 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.32 | $170.57 |
| Median (P50) | $24.92 | $199.35 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $30.03 | $240.20 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $32.00 | $255.99 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in The Dalles
Based on $24.92/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.92/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in The Dalles, OR can expect to earn approximately $51,832 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $29,903. With a cost-of-living index of 102.60 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in The Dalles.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in The Dalles
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $996.76 | $4,319 | $51,832 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $598.06 | $2,592 | $31,099 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $398.71 | $1,728 | $20,733 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (The Dalles) | $24.92 |
| 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 The Dalles, OR earn a median of $51,827 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.68% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 7.30% below the Oregon state average of $55,908.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.92/hr = $31,099/year (purchasing power: $30,311).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $51,832/year (purchasing power: $50,518).
CoL index: 102.6 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$17.61/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.62/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.92/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in The Dalles (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.61/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.08/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.37/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $19.06/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.81/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $21.94/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.62/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.92/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26.29/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in The Dalles grew 34.1% from $17.61/hr (2019) to $23.62/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $26.29/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 The Dalles 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 The Dalles
For those considering part-time roles in veterinary medicine, the payoff can differ widely compared to full-time positions. A veterinary technologist and technician working just 24 hours a week may not enjoy the same annual total as a full-time counterpart but can benefit from flexibility that fits their lifestyle. Per-diem roles in The Dalles provide competitive compensation, often ranging from $25 to $40 per hour, especially for coverage during busy shifts or specialty care. Notably, weekend and overnight emergency coverage can command rates from $30 to $50, reflecting the local demand for qualified professionals. The pay structure can vary depending on the employer type, where corporate chain hospitals and specialty centers may offer higher hourly rates but potentially fewer benefits. It's advisable for job seekers in this field to weigh the trade-offs between hourly wage and overall compensation, including health benefits. Those entering contract negotiations should arm themselves with information on prevailing market rates, clearly demonstrating their qualifications and, if applicable, specialty certifications to leverage better offers.
More salary data for The Dalles, OR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in The Dalles in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in The Dalles?
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Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in The Dalles?
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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 The Dalles. 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 The Dalles 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