Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Harrisonburg, VA: $23.90 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Harrisonburg, VA runs $23.90 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $49,712 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Harrisonburg's regional price level (BEA RPP 94.9, 5% below national), each hour of work buys what $25.18 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,822 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Harrisonburg, Virginia, the veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay for 2026 is projected at $23.90, which is slightly below the national median of $24.03. This competitive rate allows for a solid earning potential for part-time professionals and per-diem workers in various settings, including general veterinary practices, specialty hospitals, and pharmaceutical research facilities. With an hourly range from $17.98 for entry-level positions to $32.73 for experienced workers, individuals can find roles that suit their expertise and preferences. This data, derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, reflects the demand in a market where veterinary care is increasingly sought after.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $17.98 | $143.82 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.49 | $187.96 |
| Median (P50) | $23.90 | $191.17 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $28.06 | $224.50 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $32.73 | $261.81 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Harrisonburg
Based on $23.90/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.90/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Harrisonburg, VA can expect to earn approximately $49,703 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,675. With a cost-of-living index of 94.89 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Harrisonburg.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Harrisonburg
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $955.83 | $4,142 | $49,703 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $573.50 | $2,485 | $29,822 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $382.33 | $1,657 | $19,881 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Harrisonburg) | $23.90 |
| 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 Harrisonburg, VA earn a median of $49,712 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.55% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 1.30% below the Virginia state average of $50,366.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.90/hr = $29,822/year (purchasing power: $31,427).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $49,703/year (purchasing power: $52,379).
CoL index: 94.892 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$17.74/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.65/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.90/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+42.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Harrisonburg (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.74/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.90/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.83/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $21.74/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.50/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $19.56/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.65/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.90/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25.21/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Harrisonburg grew 27.7% from $17.74/hr (2019) to $22.65/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $25.21/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 Harrisonburg 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 Harrisonburg
Focusing on part-time work, a veterinary technologist and technician who commits to a 24-hour work week (three days) can still earn a respectable income compared to full-time counterparts, but they'll need to weigh the trade-offs on benefits. Per-diem positions offer flexibility, typically with pay ranging from $25-$40 per hour for regular assignments, while specialty veterinary technicians can command between $35-$55 per hour, especially during evenings and weekends when staffing shortages are acute. Hourly rates can vary notably across different employers in Harrisonburg; general practices often offer lower wages compared to corporate hospital chains or research labs but may provide better benefits. Veterinary technicians sometimes face the challenge of forgoing higher pay for job security and health insurance—a dilemma that requires thoughtful consideration in their career strategy. In negotiating hourly pay, those in the Harrisonburg area are encouraged to emphasize their specialized certifications or skills, such as VTS credentials, to secure the best possible salary.
More salary data for Harrisonburg, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Harrisonburg in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Harrisonburg?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Harrisonburg paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Harrisonburg?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Harrisonburg?
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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 Harrisonburg. 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