Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Roanoke, VA: $23.82 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Roanoke, VA runs $23.82 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $49,553 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Roanoke's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $25.45 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,730 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Roanoke, Virginia, veterinary technologists and technicians earn a median hourly rate of $23.82, slightly below the national median of $24.03. This hourly rate translates well for professionals considering part-time employment, which typically entails a schedule of about three days a week in various settings, including general practitioner clinics and specialty hospitals. For per-diem workers, operating in environments like university teaching hospitals or animal medical units at zoos, the flexibility can be a significant benefit. The hourly pay range spans from $17.62 for entry-level positions to $31.67 for top earners, illustrating the potential for career advancement and specialized training such as VTS credentials. This data is based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, and reflects the current state of the job market for veterinary technologists and technicians in the area.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $17.62 | $140.95 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.79 | $182.30 |
| Median (P50) | $23.82 | $190.58 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $29.70 | $237.59 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $31.67 | $253.37 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Roanoke
Based on $23.82/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.82/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Roanoke, VA can expect to earn approximately $49,550 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,586. With a cost-of-living index of 93.62 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Roanoke.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Roanoke
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $952.88 | $4,129 | $49,550 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $571.73 | $2,477 | $29,730 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $381.15 | $1,652 | $19,820 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Roanoke) | $23.82 |
| 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 Roanoke, VA earn a median of $49,553 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.87% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 1.60% below the Virginia state average of $50,359.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.82/hr = $29,730/year (purchasing power: $31,756).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $49,550/year (purchasing power: $52,927).
CoL index: 93.618 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$17.71/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.58/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.82/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+41.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Roanoke (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.71/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.71/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.61/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $18.31/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.82/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $22.83/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.58/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.82/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25.13/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Roanoke grew 27.5% from $17.71/hr (2019) to $22.58/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $25.13/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 Roanoke 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 Roanoke
Part-time veterinary technologists and technicians often find themselves weighing the benefits of flexibility against financial stability. For those working three days a week, the take-home pay can dramatically differ from full-time counterparts, with earnings generally resulting in lower annual income despite similar hourly rates. Per diem options present another reality: compensation can range between $25 and $40 per hour for standard roles, while VTS-certified specialty technicians can command as much as $55 per hour in high-demand environments like emergency facilities. Moreover, in Roanoke's diverse job market, pay rates vary widely depending on the type of employer. Corporate chains may offer lower hourly rates coupled with benefits, while specialty hospitals can provide higher pay with less job security. When negotiating pay, workers should consider the trade-offs of hourly rates versus benefits, as higher salaries often come at the cost of comprehensive health insurance and job stability.
More salary data for Roanoke, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Roanoke in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Roanoke?
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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 Roanoke. 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