Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Alexandria, VA: $28.98 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Alexandria, VA runs $28.98 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $60,287 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Alexandria's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $28.08 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $36,168 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For veterinary technologists and technicians in Alexandria, Virginia, the hourly median pay stands at $28.98, significantly exceeding the national hourly median of $24.03. This rate is indicative of the region’s competitive employment landscape and the pressing demand for skilled professionals in various settings, including general practice clinics, specialty hospitals, teaching facilities, and research labs. The hourly pay range in Alexandria spans from $22.24 for those just starting out to $39.64 for the most experienced, reflecting the diverse roles these professionals fulfill. This advantageous hourly compensation can be particularly appealing for part-time workers, such as those seeking to work three days a week or per-diem staff who may choose flexible scheduling in critical care environments like intensive care units and emergency clinics.
About the Alexandria Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($40,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $22.24 | $177.92 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.00 | $192.01 |
| Median (P50) | $28.98 | $231.85 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $35.94 | $287.55 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $39.64 | $317.09 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Alexandria
Based on $28.98/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.98/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Alexandria, VA can expect to earn approximately $60,280 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,777. With a cost-of-living index of 103.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Alexandria.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Alexandria
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,159.23 | $5,023 | $60,280 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $695.54 | $3,014 | $36,168 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $463.69 | $2,009 | $24,112 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Alexandria) | $28.98 |
| 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 Alexandria, VA earn a median of $60,287 per year (2026 est.), which is 20.61% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 19.70% above the Virginia state average of $50,365.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.98/hr = $36,168/year (purchasing power: $35,047).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $60,280/year (purchasing power: $58,411).
CoL index: 103.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$20.48/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.47/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.98/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Alexandria (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.48/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.02/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $21.36/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.17/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.36/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $19.88/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.47/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.98/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.57/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Alexandria grew 34.1% from $20.48/hr (2019) to $27.47/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.57/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 Alexandria 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 Alexandria
Taking a closer look at earning potential, a veterinary technologist or technician working part-time for 24 hours a week may expect to take home about $36,000 annually, a comfortable income compared to full-time counterparts. Per-diem or locum tenens roles can bring varied pay rates, typically ranging from $25 to $40 per hour. Specialty technicians with Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) credentials often command $35 to $55 per hour, particularly in emergency or critical care scenarios where understaffing is common. Hourly pay can differ across employer types; those within corporate chains or specialty hospitals might enjoy more substantial benefits but could face lower pay compared to independent practices that might offer higher pay rates in exchange for fewer benefits. For professionals negotiating their hourly rates in Alexandria, understanding market demand, employer types, and available benefits can significantly influence their decision-making process.
More salary data for Alexandria, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Alexandria in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Alexandria?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Alexandria paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Alexandria?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Alexandria?
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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 Alexandria. 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 Alexandria 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