Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Lake Ridge, VA: $23.21 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Lake Ridge, VA runs $23.21 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $48,267 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Lake Ridge's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $22.49 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $28,966 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Lake Ridge, Virginia, the veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay is projected to reach $23.21 in 2026, which is slightly below the national hourly median of $24.03. This hourly rate provides significant insights for both part-time and per-diem workers in setting like general practice treatment areas and specialty hospital emergency wards. Those working part-time, for example, on a typical three-day workweek could still earn a solid income, especially considering the hourly range extends from $17.91 for entry-level positions up to $30.01 for top earners. This structure reflects a broad spectrum of experience and workplace environments, including university teaching hospitals, zoo medical units, and pharmaceutical research facilities, as well as the varying demands of the healthcare labor market.
About the Lake Ridge 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) | $17.91 | $143.31 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.08 | $152.68 |
| Median (P50) | $23.21 | $185.68 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $27.98 | $223.83 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $30.01 | $240.12 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lake Ridge
Based on $23.21/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.21/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lake Ridge, VA can expect to earn approximately $48,277 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $27,852. With a cost-of-living index of 103.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Lake Ridge.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lake Ridge
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $928.40 | $4,023 | $48,277 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $557.04 | $2,414 | $28,966 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $371.36 | $1,609 | $19,311 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Lake Ridge) | $23.21 |
| 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 Lake Ridge, VA earn a median of $48,267 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.44% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 4.20% below the Virginia state average of $50,383.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.21/hr = $28,966/year (purchasing power: $28,068).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $48,277/year (purchasing power: $46,780).
CoL index: 103.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$16.40/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.00/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.21/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Lake Ridge (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $16.40/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $16.84/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.11/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $17.76/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.31/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $19.02/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.00/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.21/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.49/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Lake Ridge grew 34.1% from $16.40/hr (2019) to $22.00/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.49/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 Lake Ridge 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 Lake Ridge
Focusing on the earning potential within this profession further reveals interesting dynamics. A part-time veterinary technologist or technician working 24 hours a week could take home significantly less than a full-time peer, but alternatives such as per-diem or agency positions can be quite lucrative. Billing at rates between $25 to $40 per hour becomes more common, especially for those servicing understaffed practices or taking roles in specialty fields, where VTS-credentialed technicians can earn between $35 and $55 hourly. Employers like corporate chain hospitals and specialty referral facilities typically offer competitive wages tailored to attract skilled workers, yet many opt for lower hourly rates in exchange for benefits like health insurance. This variability in pay necessitates savvy negotiation skills, particularly in an area like Lake Ridge where job demand is rising amidst a workforce shortage. Ultimately, the choice between higher hourly pay without benefits versus a steadier income with comprehensive health packages is a critical consideration for veterinary technologists and technicians in this region.
More salary data for Lake Ridge, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Lake Ridge in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Lake Ridge?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Lake Ridge paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Lake Ridge?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Lake Ridge?
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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 Lake Ridge. 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 Lake Ridge 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