Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Dale City, VA: $23.57 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Dale City, VA runs $23.57 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $49,028 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Dale City's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $22.84 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,414 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Dale City, VA, the projected median hourly pay for veterinary technologists and technicians is $23.57, which is slightly below the national median of $24.03 per hour. This rate has significant implications for those working part-time, such as individuals opting for a three-day workweek, as it translates to about $1,471.53 weekly gross income for a typical 24-hour work schedule. Per-diem workers also benefit from diverse roles in various settings, including general practice treatment facilities, specialty hospitals, university clinics, and research labs. The hourly wage range in Dale City extends from $18.14 for entry-level positions to as high as $31.21 for top earners, highlighting opportunities for growth within the field. These figures derive from projected annual salary data, which frames the landscape for veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay in Dale City.
About the Dale City 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) | $18.14 | $145.08 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.48 | $155.80 |
| Median (P50) | $23.57 | $188.55 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $29.22 | $233.79 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $31.21 | $249.66 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Dale City
Based on $23.57/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.57/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Dale City, VA can expect to earn approximately $49,023 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,282. With a cost-of-living index of 103.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Dale City.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Dale City
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $942.75 | $4,085 | $49,023 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $565.65 | $2,451 | $29,414 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $377.10 | $1,634 | $19,609 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Dale City) | $23.57 |
| 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 Dale City, VA earn a median of $49,028 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.92% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 2.70% below the Virginia state average of $50,388.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.57/hr = $29,414/year (purchasing power: $28,502).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $49,023/year (purchasing power: $47,503).
CoL index: 103.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$16.65/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.34/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.57/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Dale City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $16.65/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.10/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.38/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $18.03/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.62/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $19.32/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.34/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.57/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.86/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Dale City grew 34.1% from $16.65/hr (2019) to $22.34/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.86/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 Dale City 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 Dale City
Taking a closer look at income potential, part-time veterinary technologists and technicians working 24 hours a week can expect an annual income of approximately $61,236 if they maintain that schedule consistently throughout the year. On the other hand, per-diem roles offer varying pay rates, often ranging between $25 and $40 per hour for general coverage. Those holding VTS credentials can demand even higher rates, typically between $35 and $55 per hour, depending on the setting. Locations such as corporate chain hospitals and specialty referral centers might offer hourly compensation that's either competitive or skewed lower when compared against their extensive benefits packages. This trade-off is important for many workers in Dale City: opting for better hourly pay without benefits or accepting lower pay for more comprehensive health coverage. During negotiations, candidates should reinforce their credentials and consider potential shifts in demand driven by the ongoing veterinary technician shortage in the area, allowing them to leverage their skills advantageously.
More salary data for Dale City, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Dale City in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Dale City?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Dale City paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Dale City?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Dale City?
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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 Dale City. 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 Dale City 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