Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Norfolk, VA: $24.90 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Norfolk, VA runs $24.90 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $51,792 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Norfolk's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $24.13 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $31,073 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Veterinary technologists and technicians in Norfolk, Virginia, earn a median hourly rate of $24.90, surpassing the national median of $24.03. This competitive pay allows for flexibility in working arrangements, making it a viable option for part-time employees who may work three days a week. In general practice treatment areas, specialty hospitals, and other typical settings, individuals at entry-level positions might earn around $17.48 per hour, while experienced technicians in top-tier roles can potentially reach $34.68 per hour. This range reflects both the growth of the veterinary workforce and the rising standards of animal healthcare, illustrating how hourly rates for veterinary technologist and technician roles are informed by the demands of varying employers, ranging from private clinics to teaching hospitals and pharmaceutical research facilities.
About the Norfolk 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) | $17.48 | $139.85 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.55 | $156.39 |
| Median (P50) | $24.90 | $199.18 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $31.05 | $248.39 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $34.68 | $277.42 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Norfolk
Based on $24.90/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.90/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Norfolk, VA can expect to earn approximately $51,788 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $29,878. With a cost-of-living index of 103.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Norfolk.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Norfolk
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $995.92 | $4,316 | $51,788 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $597.55 | $2,589 | $31,073 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $398.37 | $1,726 | $20,715 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Norfolk) | $24.90 |
| 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 Norfolk, VA earn a median of $51,792 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.61% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 2.80% above the Virginia state average of $50,381.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.90/hr = $31,073/year (purchasing power: $30,109).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $51,788/year (purchasing power: $50,182).
CoL index: 103.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$17.59/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.60/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.90/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Norfolk (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.59/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.06/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.36/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $19.05/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.79/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $20.75/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.60/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.90/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26.27/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Norfolk grew 34.1% from $17.59/hr (2019) to $23.60/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $26.27/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 Norfolk 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 Norfolk
For those considering part-time employment, a veterinary technologist and technician working 24 hours a week can expect to take home approximately $31,104 annually, significantly less than their full-time counterparts. Per diem opportunities often arise in this field, with rates for agency or locum workers typically ranging from $25 to $40 per hour, and specialized veterinary technician specialists (VTS) commanding higher rates, from $35 to $55 per hour. With pressing demands in emergency and critical care, especially during weekends or overnight, some hospitals may offer $30 to $50 per hour due to staffing shortages. Hourly pay can vary considerably based on the type of employer; for instance, general practice clinics may offer lower rates compared to specialty referral hospitals or corporate chains like VCA or BluePearl. Veterinary technologists and technicians often weigh the trade-offs between hourly pay and employment benefits, leading some to opt for lower-paying positions with better health insurance options. For effective negotiations in Norfolk, it's critical to understand these local dynamics and tailor salary discussions accordingly.
More salary data for Norfolk, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Norfolk in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Norfolk?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Norfolk paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Norfolk?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Norfolk?
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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 Norfolk. 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 Norfolk 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