Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Reston, VA: $23.68 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Reston, VA runs $23.68 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $49,259 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Reston's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $22.95 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,559 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Reston, Virginia, the projected median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians stands at $23.68. This figure is slightly below the national hourly median of $24.03, indicating a competitive but modest pay scale relative to other regions. For part-time workers, such as those operating three days a week, this translates to a practical hourly earning that supports a flexible work-life balance, particularly in varied settings like general practice, specialty hospitals, and research facilities. With entry-level positions starting around $18.42 and seasoned professionals reaching up to $31.58, the opportunities in Reston offer a broad spectrum for income depending on experience, specialization, and workplace environment.
About the Reston 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) | $18.42 | $147.36 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.70 | $157.57 |
| Median (P50) | $23.68 | $189.48 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $28.99 | $231.93 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $31.58 | $252.61 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Reston
Based on $23.68/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.68/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Reston, VA can expect to earn approximately $49,264 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,422. With a cost-of-living index of 103.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Reston.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Reston
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $947.39 | $4,105 | $49,264 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $568.43 | $2,463 | $29,559 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $378.96 | $1,642 | $19,706 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Reston) | $23.68 |
| 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 Reston, VA earn a median of $49,259 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.45% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 2.20% below the Virginia state average of $50,367.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.68/hr = $29,559/year (purchasing power: $28,642).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $49,264/year (purchasing power: $47,737).
CoL index: 103.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$16.74/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.45/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.68/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Reston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $16.74/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.18/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.46/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $18.12/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.73/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $19.41/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.45/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.68/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.99/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Reston grew 34.1% from $16.74/hr (2019) to $22.45/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.99/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 Reston 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 Reston
When examining part-time earning potential, a veterinary technologist or technician working 24 hours a week would earn around $29,431 annually, compared to full-time counterparts who receive a more substantial income. Per diem roles are especially lucrative as these technicians can earn between $25 and $40 per hour. Specialty technicians with VTS designation may command even higher rates between $35 and $55, especially in emergency settings where coverage is critical. Various employer types in Reston, from general practices to corporate chains and specialty hospitals, also influence hourly wages. While some professionals opt for lower-paying roles that provide benefits, others may chase higher hourly pay without them. For those negotiating pay rates, emphasizing specialized training and flexibility can tip the scales in their favor.
More salary data for Reston, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Reston in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Reston?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Reston paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Reston?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Reston?
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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 Reston. 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 Reston 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