Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Salem, VA: $23.48 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Salem, VA runs $23.48 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $48,838 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Salem's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $22.76 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,308 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the median hourly pay for veterinary technologists and technicians in Salem, Virginia, is projected to be $23.48, which is slightly lower than the national median of $24.03. This hourly wage can significantly influence the financial choices of part-time and per-diem workers in various environments, such as general practice clinics, specialty hospital ICUs, and university teaching hospitals. For those working part-time, averaging three days a week, the salaries can fluctuate from $17.32 at the lower tenth percentile (P10) to $29.46 at the ninetieth percentile (P90), thereby making this profession potentially attractive for those balancing multiple responsibilities. Hourly earnings estimates are derived from annual data, allowing for clear insight into pay structures that may vary across different clinical settings in Salem.
About the Salem 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) | $17.32 | $138.58 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.17 | $161.37 |
| Median (P50) | $23.48 | $187.87 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $27.74 | $221.89 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $29.46 | $235.64 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Salem
Based on $23.48/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.48/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Salem, VA can expect to earn approximately $48,847 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,181. With a cost-of-living index of 103.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Salem.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Salem
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $939.37 | $4,071 | $48,847 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $563.62 | $2,442 | $29,308 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $375.75 | $1,628 | $19,539 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Salem) | $23.48 |
| 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 Salem, VA earn a median of $48,838 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.30% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 3.00% below the Virginia state average of $50,349.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.48/hr = $29,308/year (purchasing power: $28,400).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $48,847/year (purchasing power: $47,333).
CoL index: 103.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$16.59/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.26/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.48/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Salem (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $16.59/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.04/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.31/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $17.97/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.55/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $19.24/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.26/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.48/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.78/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Salem grew 34.1% from $16.59/hr (2019) to $22.26/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.78/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 Salem 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 Salem
For a veterinary technologist and technician working three days a week, the annual take-home would be substantially lower compared to a full-time position, often translating to limited financial growth unless they secure additional shifts. Per-diem roles present another avenue for earning potential, where these professionals can command higher pay, often charging between $25 and $40 per hour. Specialty credential holders, such as those on the Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) path, often earn between $35 and $55 per hour, especially in high-demand situations like overnight ER coverage. Salary variation across employer types is notable; corporate practices might offer lower hourly rates while providing benefits, and those working in specialty hospitals or academic institutions may experience higher pay but with varying hours. For technicians in Salem, negotiating based on the specific demands of the position and leveraging any specialty certifications can lead to better compensation outcomes.
More salary data for Salem, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Salem in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Salem?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Salem paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Salem?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Salem?
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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 Salem. 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 Salem 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