Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Blacksburg, VA: $26.35 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Blacksburg, VA runs $26.35 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $54,818 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Blacksburg's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.7, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $28.43 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $32,890 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Blacksburg, Virginia, veterinary technologists and technicians earn a median hourly rate of $26.35, which exceeds the national median of $24.03. This higher pay reflects the competitive demand for skilled professionals in various settings, from general practice treatment areas and specialty hospital ICU wards to university teaching hospitals and research facilities. For part-time workers averaging three days a week, this hourly wage allows for a respectable income while maintaining flexibility. Per-diem roles offer an interesting alternative, with entry-level positions starting around $17.50 an hour and top earners potentially reaching $33.42. This official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data from 2025, projected to 2026, highlights the varied earning opportunities available in Blacksburg's veterinary sector.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $17.50 | $140.02 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.98 | $183.82 |
| Median (P50) | $26.35 | $210.83 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $31.87 | $254.97 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $33.42 | $267.38 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Blacksburg
Based on $26.35/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $26.35/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Blacksburg, VA can expect to earn approximately $54,816 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $31,625. With a cost-of-living index of 92.71 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Blacksburg.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Blacksburg
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,054.16 | $4,568 | $54,816 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $632.49 | $2,741 | $32,890 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $421.66 | $1,827 | $21,926 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Blacksburg) | $26.35 |
| 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 Blacksburg, VA earn a median of $54,818 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.67% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 8.80% above the Virginia state average of $50,384.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $26.35/hr = $32,890/year (purchasing power: $35,476).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $54,816/year (purchasing power: $59,126).
CoL index: 92.71 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$18.16/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$24.98/hr
2026 Current Est.
$26.35/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+53.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Blacksburg (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.16/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.84/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.07/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $21.86/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.20/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $24.10/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $24.98/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $26.35/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $27.80/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Blacksburg grew 37.6% from $18.16/hr (2019) to $24.98/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $27.80/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 Blacksburg 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 Blacksburg
When considering part-time earning potential, a veterinary technologist and technician working 24 hours a week would gross approximately $33,084 annually, significantly less than their full-time counterparts. Per diem workers typically charge between $25 and $40 per hour for general roles, while those with Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) credentials may command $35 to $55 per hour, especially for specialty clinics and emergency care shifts. The hourly rates can differ widely among employers in Blacksburg, with general practice clinics and corporate chains often offering different compensation packages than specialty hospitals or research facilities. While some technicians may opt for lower pay in exchange for benefits like health insurance, others might prioritize higher hourly wages without such perks. Negotiating hourly rates effectively can enhance one's pay; knowing the competitive rates in the Blacksburg area can empower workers to advocate for better compensation.
More salary data for Blacksburg, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Blacksburg in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Blacksburg?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Blacksburg paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Blacksburg?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Blacksburg?
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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 Blacksburg. 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