Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Portsmouth, VA: $23.43 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Portsmouth, VA runs $23.43 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $48,740 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Portsmouth's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $22.70 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,243 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Portsmouth, VA, veterinary technologists and technicians can expect to receive a median hourly pay of $23.43, slightly below the national median of $24.03. This rate is significant for both part-time workers, such as those averaging three days a week, and per-diem professionals, who often work in diverse settings like general practice clinics, specialty hospitals, and pharmaceutical research facilities. For entry-level positions, hourly wages start around $17.81, while seasoned professionals at the top of the pay scale can earn as much as $30.74. It's essential to consider that these hourly rates are derived from annual salary estimates, reflecting the broader compensation trends within this high-demand field where skill and certification play a crucial role in pay advancement.
About the Portsmouth 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) | $17.81 | $142.47 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.20 | $153.61 |
| Median (P50) | $23.43 | $187.45 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $28.37 | $226.95 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $30.74 | $245.94 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Portsmouth
Based on $23.43/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.43/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Portsmouth, VA can expect to earn approximately $48,738 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,118. With a cost-of-living index of 103.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Portsmouth.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Portsmouth
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $937.26 | $4,061 | $48,738 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $562.36 | $2,437 | $29,243 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $374.90 | $1,625 | $19,495 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Portsmouth) | $23.43 |
| 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 Portsmouth, VA earn a median of $48,740 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.49% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 3.20% below the Virginia state average of $50,351.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.43/hr = $29,243/year (purchasing power: $28,336).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $48,738/year (purchasing power: $47,226).
CoL index: 103.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$16.56/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.21/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.43/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Portsmouth (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $16.56/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.00/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.27/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $17.93/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.50/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $19.20/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.21/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.43/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.72/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Portsmouth grew 34.1% from $16.56/hr (2019) to $22.21/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.72/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 Portsmouth 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 Portsmouth
For part-time veterinary technologists and technicians, those working 24 hours a week may earn an annual income that significantly differs from their full-time counterparts, potentially earning less while enjoying increased flexibility. Per-diem roles are increasingly popular, with rates often ranging from $25 to $40 per hour, providing an attractive option for those seeking extra income. VTS-credentialed specialty technicians can command higher rates, from $35 to $55, while urgent care or overnight shifts in understaffed settings may attract compensation of $30 to $50. Employers range from general practice clinics to corporate chains and specialty hospitals, affecting pay scales as corporate structures typically have standardized salary ranges. A balance must be struck between hourly wages and benefits, as some technicians might accept lower rates for comprehensive health insurance options. Finally, for effective negotiations, understanding regional pay trends based on Portsmouth's varying employer types can be beneficial when discussing hourly compensation.
More salary data for Portsmouth, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Portsmouth in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Portsmouth?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Portsmouth paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Portsmouth?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Portsmouth?
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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 Portsmouth. 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 Portsmouth 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