Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Sterling, VA: $23.23 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Sterling, VA runs $23.23 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $48,331 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Sterling's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $22.51 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $28,992 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Sterling, Virginia, a veterinary technologist and technician earns a median hourly rate of $23.23, which is slightly below the national median of $24.03. This hourly wage can significantly impact the take-home pay for part-time or per-diem workers in various veterinary settings such as general practice treatment areas, specialty hospitals, and university clinics. The hourly pay ranges from $18.59 for entry-level positions to $30.17 for those at the top of their field in Sterling. It is essential to recognize that these figures are estimated from projected annual salaries, highlighting the potential for good earnings even for those working less than full-time or as freelancers.
About the Sterling 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) | $18.59 | $148.71 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.15 | $153.19 |
| Median (P50) | $23.23 | $185.85 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $28.01 | $224.08 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $30.17 | $241.38 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Sterling
Based on $23.23/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.23/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Sterling, VA can expect to earn approximately $48,321 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $27,877. With a cost-of-living index of 103.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Sterling.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Sterling
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $929.24 | $4,027 | $48,321 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $557.55 | $2,416 | $28,992 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $371.70 | $1,611 | $19,328 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Sterling) | $23.23 |
| 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 Sterling, VA earn a median of $48,331 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.31% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 4.10% below the Virginia state average of $50,397.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.23/hr = $28,992/year (purchasing power: $28,093).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $48,321/year (purchasing power: $46,822).
CoL index: 103.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$16.42/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.02/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.23/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Sterling (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $16.42/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $16.85/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.13/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $17.77/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.33/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $19.04/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.02/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.23/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.51/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Sterling grew 34.1% from $16.42/hr (2019) to $22.02/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.51/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 Sterling 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 Sterling
When examining the earning potential for a part-time veterinary technologist and technician working three days a week, the annual income contrast between part-time and full-time roles becomes clear. Part-time professionals can expect to earn significantly less than full-time employees, yet they still have the opportunity to benefit from flexible schedules. Per-diem veterinary technologists and technicians can command higher hourly pay ranging from $25 to $40, especially those with VTS credentials who can make $35 to $55 per hour in specialty settings. Weekend or overnight shifts often pay even more, reaching $30 to $50 in markets experiencing shortages. Employers vary widely in their compensation strategies; while corporate chains might offer benefits with lower hourly rates, opportunities for higher pay might exist in specialty hospitals. Understanding these variables and practicing salary negotiations tailored to the local context in Sterling can be beneficial for navigating the current job market effectively.
More salary data for Sterling, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Sterling in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Sterling?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Sterling paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Sterling?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Sterling?
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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 Sterling. 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 Sterling 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