Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Fairfax, VA: $23.12 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Fairfax, VA runs $23.12 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $48,089 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Fairfax's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $22.40 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $28,848 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Fairfax, Virginia, veterinary technologists and technicians earn a median hourly rate of $23.12, which is slightly below the national median of $24.03. This level of compensation provides a solid foundation for professionals working part-time or on a per-diem basis, particularly in environments such as general practice clinics, specialty hospitals, and teaching hospitals. For those on a typical part-time schedule of three days per week, earnings can substantially differ, especially since hourly rates range from $18.16 at the entry-level (P10) to $28.86 for top earners (P90). Given these figures are derived from annual salary estimates, they reflect the varying responsibilities and settings encountered in Fairfax's veterinary medical field, which includes specialized roles in animal medical units at universities or research facilities.
About the Fairfax 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) | $18.16 | $145.25 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.20 | $153.61 |
| Median (P50) | $23.12 | $184.92 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $27.30 | $218.43 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $28.86 | $230.92 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Fairfax
Based on $23.12/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.12/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Fairfax, VA can expect to earn approximately $48,079 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $27,738. With a cost-of-living index of 103.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Fairfax.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Fairfax
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $924.60 | $4,007 | $48,079 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $554.76 | $2,404 | $28,848 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $369.84 | $1,603 | $19,232 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Fairfax) | $23.12 |
| 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 Fairfax, VA earn a median of $48,089 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.80% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 4.50% below the Virginia state average of $50,355.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.12/hr = $28,848/year (purchasing power: $27,953).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $48,079/year (purchasing power: $46,588).
CoL index: 103.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$16.33/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$21.91/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.12/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Fairfax (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $16.33/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $16.77/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.04/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $17.68/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.23/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $18.95/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $21.91/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.12/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.39/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Fairfax grew 34.1% from $16.33/hr (2019) to $21.91/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.39/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 Fairfax 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 Fairfax
Considering part-time employment in this sector, a veterinary technologist and technician working just 24 hours a week could still bring home a respectable annual income—though less than a full-time counterpart. Per-diem and agency staff often enjoy higher hourly rates, frequently billed between $25 and $40, with those possessing a Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) credential potentially seeing rates up to $55. Such financial dynamics can create compelling alternatives for those willing to trade off benefits for higher pay, especially in a region where specialized experience can command premium rates. Additionally, hourly earnings differ based on the employment type; for instance, corporate veterinary chains may offer varied pay-scales influenced by market consolidation but provide benefits that could offset lower hourly wages. Negotiation strategies for hourly workers in Fairfax may revolve around leveraging specialist credentials or demonstrating significant experience to capture more competitive pay.
More salary data for Fairfax, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Fairfax in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Fairfax?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Fairfax paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Fairfax?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Fairfax?
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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 Fairfax. 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 Fairfax 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