Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Richmond, VA: $27.00 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Richmond, VA runs $27.00 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $56,147 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Richmond's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.9, 2% below national), each hour of work buys what $27.59 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $33,693 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
Veterinary technologists and technicians in Richmond, Virginia can expect a median hourly pay of $27.00, which is considerably higher than the national median of $24.03. This competitive hourly rate opens up various working possibilities, particularly for part-time and per-diem workers who might operate three days a week in environments such as general practice treatment areas, specialty hospital ICUs, or even pharmaceutical research facilities. Entry-level positions typically start around $18.87 per hour, while experienced technicians, especially those with specialty credentials, can earn as much as $36.40 per hour, reflecting the diverse range of services these professionals offer. The figures represent data sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and are projected for 2026.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.87 | $150.99 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.33 | $194.63 |
| Median (P50) | $27.00 | $215.98 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $31.70 | $253.62 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $36.40 | $291.18 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Richmond
Based on $27.00/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $27.00/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Richmond, VA can expect to earn approximately $56,155 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $32,397. With a cost-of-living index of 97.86 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Richmond.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Richmond
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,079.90 | $4,680 | $56,155 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $647.94 | $2,808 | $33,693 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $431.96 | $1,872 | $22,462 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Richmond) | $27.00 |
| 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 Richmond, VA earn a median of $56,147 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.33% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 11.50% above the Virginia state average of $50,356.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $27.00/hr = $33,693/year (purchasing power: $34,430).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $56,155/year (purchasing power: $57,384).
CoL index: 97.858 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$20.07/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$25.59/hr
2026 Current Est.
$27.00/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+41.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Richmond (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.07/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $20.88/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.52/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $21.76/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.67/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $25.00/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $25.59/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $27.00/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $28.48/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Richmond grew 27.5% from $20.07/hr (2019) to $25.59/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $28.48/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 Richmond 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 Richmond
Considering part-time work in this field, a veterinary technologist and technician who works a 24-hour week could take home about $42,336 annually, significantly less than their full-time counterparts. Per-diem veterinary technologists often earn between $25 to $40 per hour, with specialization increasing earnings potential as VTS-credentialed technicians can command rates from $35 to $55 per hour. Particularly in Richmond's competitive market, weekend and overnight emergency coverage may pay $30 to $50 per hour due to a shortage of staff in many hospitals. Hourly rates also vary across employer types; for instance, corporate chain hospitals might offer different compensation packages than private general practice clinics. Technicians must consider the balance between higher hourly rates and benefits such as health insurance, leading some to accept lower pay for better job security. In negotiations, emphasizing specialized skills and certifications can provide leverage in securing a more favorable hourly rate in Richmond.
More salary data for Richmond, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Richmond in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Richmond?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Richmond paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Richmond?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Richmond?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Virginia
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 Richmond. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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