Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Hampton, VA: $24.19 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Hampton, VA runs $24.19 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $50,315 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Hampton's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $23.44 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $30,191 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Hampton, Virginia, veterinary technologists and technicians can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $24.19, slightly surpassing the national median of $24.03. This hourly rate is favorable for individuals seeking part-time positions within various clinical settings, such as general practice treatment areas, specialty hospitals, or educational institutions. With entry-level roles starting at approximately $18.49 and top earners reaching about $33.02, the financial outlook remains promising for professionals at all experience levels in the field. Hourly rates, derived from overall annual salary forecasts, reflect the growing demand for skilled technicians in settings like zoos, aquariums, and pharmaceutical research facilities, highlighting a notable trend as the industry continues to expand.
About the Hampton 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) | $18.49 | $147.95 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.96 | $159.68 |
| Median (P50) | $24.19 | $193.53 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $30.44 | $243.49 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $33.02 | $264.17 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Hampton
Based on $24.19/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.19/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Hampton, VA can expect to earn approximately $50,318 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $29,029. With a cost-of-living index of 103.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Hampton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Hampton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $967.65 | $4,193 | $50,318 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $580.59 | $2,516 | $30,191 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $387.06 | $1,677 | $20,127 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Hampton) | $24.19 |
| 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 Hampton, VA earn a median of $50,315 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.66% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 0.10% below the Virginia state average of $50,365.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.19/hr = $30,191/year (purchasing power: $29,254).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $50,318/year (purchasing power: $48,757).
CoL index: 103.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$17.09/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.93/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.19/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Hampton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.09/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.55/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.83/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $18.51/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.17/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $19.82/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.93/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.19/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25.52/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Hampton grew 34.1% from $17.09/hr (2019) to $22.93/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $25.52/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 Hampton 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 Hampton
For those considering part-time work, a veterinary technologist or technician working three days a week could take home a substantially lower income compared to full-time counterparts, effectively bringing in less than $40,000 annually. The landscape of per-diem employment, where veterinary technicians often charge between $25 and $40 per hour, illustrates another avenue for income—particularly appealing for those with VTS specialty credentials who can reach hourly pay rates of $35 to $55. Hourly rates vary significantly across employers in Hampton; general practice settings may offer lower pay versus specialty hospitals, which pay competitive rates for difficult shifts like weekends and overnight emergency coverage. Many veterinary professionals weigh the benefits of healthcare and stability against potentially higher hourly rates that come without fringe benefits. For those negotiating, it’s advisable to research local pay scales, emphasize specialized skills, and consider the trade-offs between pay and benefits to maximize earning potential in the region.
More salary data for Hampton, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Hampton in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Hampton?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Hampton paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Hampton?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Hampton?
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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 Hampton. 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 Hampton 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