Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Bristol, VA: $21.55 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Bristol, VA runs $21.55 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $44,822 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Bristol's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $20.89 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $26,899 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Bristol, Virginia, veterinary technologists and technicians earn a median hourly wage of $21.55, which falls below the national average of $24.03 per hour. This discrepancy highlights the financial realities facing local professionals in this field. For those working part-time, such as 24-hour weeks spread across three days, this rate translates to a practical income while allowing for flexible scheduling—ideal for balancing other commitments or pursuing advanced VTS specialty credentialing pathways. The hourly pay range spans $17.29 at the lower end (10th percentile) to $27.15 at the upper end (90th percentile), reflecting the diversity of experience and settings, from general practices to specialty hospitals and pharmaceutical research facilities.
About the Bristol 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) | $17.29 | $138.33 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $18.09 | $144.75 |
| Median (P50) | $21.55 | $172.43 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $25.66 | $205.26 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $27.15 | $217.16 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Bristol
Based on $21.55/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $21.55/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Bristol, VA can expect to earn approximately $44,832 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $25,864. With a cost-of-living index of 103.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Bristol.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Bristol
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $862.15 | $3,736 | $44,832 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $517.29 | $2,242 | $26,899 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $344.86 | $1,494 | $17,933 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Bristol) | $21.55 |
| 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 Bristol, VA earn a median of $44,822 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.33% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 11.00% below the Virginia state average of $50,361.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $21.55/hr = $26,899/year (purchasing power: $26,065).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $44,832/year (purchasing power: $43,441).
CoL index: 103.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$15.23/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$20.43/hr
2026 Current Est.
$21.55/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Bristol (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $15.23/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $15.64/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $15.89/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $16.49/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $18.86/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $19.08/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $20.43/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $21.55/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $22.74/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Bristol grew 34.1% from $15.23/hr (2019) to $20.43/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $22.74/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 Bristol 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 Bristol
Considering the evolving job market, part-time veterinary technologists and technicians might find their annual earnings significantly vary compared to full-time positions. A part-time worker focusing on three days a week could take home around $26,600 annually, offering a lifestyle that allows for work-life balance while still providing solid compensation. For those choosing a per diem route, opportunities abound to command higher hourly rates ranging from $25 to $40, particularly for specialty skills. Employers such as corporate chain hospitals or specialty referral centers often adjust their pay scales based on the urgency of staff needs, especially during weekends or overnight shifts, where rates can climb to $50 per hour. While higher hourly rates might attract some, it's essential to weigh potential benefits like health insurance, which typically come with full-time roles. Negotiating pay can be crucial in Bristol; articulating skills, experience, and the value of advanced certifications may lead to more favorable hourly rates in this competitive environment.
More salary data for Bristol, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Bristol in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Bristol?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Bristol paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Bristol?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Bristol?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Virginia
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 Bristol. 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 Bristol 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