Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Herndon, VA: $22.68 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Herndon, VA runs $22.68 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $47,184 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Herndon's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $21.98 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $28,308 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Herndon, Virginia, the veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay stands at a median of $22.68 in 2026, falling below the national median of $24.03. This pay structure highlights the income potential for part-time roles, such as working three days a week, or for those seeking per-diem opportunities within various settings, including general practices, specialty hospitals, and pharmaceutical research facilities. For entry-level positions, hourly rates start around $19.01, while experienced technicians can earn up to $27.50, reflecting the diverse range of responsibilities and expertise in this field. The compensation in Herndon is shaped by local demand for veterinary professionals, underlining the importance of competitive wages for attracting talent to critical care roles across the region.
About the Herndon 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) | $19.01 | $152.09 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.71 | $157.66 |
| Median (P50) | $22.68 | $181.46 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $26.28 | $210.24 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $27.50 | $220.03 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Herndon
Based on $22.68/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $22.68/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Herndon, VA can expect to earn approximately $47,180 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $27,219. With a cost-of-living index of 103.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Herndon.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Herndon
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $907.30 | $3,932 | $47,180 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $544.38 | $2,359 | $28,308 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $362.92 | $1,573 | $18,872 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Herndon) | $22.68 |
| 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 Herndon, VA earn a median of $47,184 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.61% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 6.30% below the Virginia state average of $50,356.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $22.68/hr = $28,308/year (purchasing power: $27,430).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $47,180/year (purchasing power: $45,717).
CoL index: 103.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$16.03/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$21.50/hr
2026 Current Est.
$22.68/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Herndon (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $16.03/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $16.45/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $16.72/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $17.35/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $19.85/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $18.59/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $21.50/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $22.68/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $23.93/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Herndon grew 34.1% from $16.03/hr (2019) to $21.50/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $23.93/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 Herndon 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 Herndon
Looking more closely at the financial implications for veterinary technologists and technicians in Herndon, those who work part-time at 24 hours a week can expect significantly lower annual earnings compared to their full-time counterparts. The reality for many per-diem workers can be notably more lucrative, as these individuals often command hourly rates between $25 and $40, particularly in high-demand sectors like emergency and critical care environments, where weekend and overnight shifts can draw rates of $30 to $50. Variations in hourly pay also depend on the type of employer—general practices may offer lower wages compared to corporate chains or specialty hospitals that can afford to pay up to $55 for veterinary technicians with VTS credentials. While some may accept lower hourly rates in exchange for benefits like health insurance, this tradeoff illustrates the ongoing challenge of balancing financial needs with job security. Negotiating effectively in this market requires an understanding of local pay standards as well as the strategic positioning of one’s qualifications, especially for those striving to enhance their expertise in veterinary specialty pathways.
More salary data for Herndon, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Herndon in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Herndon?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Herndon paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Herndon?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Herndon?
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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 Herndon. 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 Herndon 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