Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Suffolk, VA: $23.81 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Suffolk, VA runs $23.81 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $49,526 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Suffolk's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $23.07 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,717 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Veterinary technologists and technicians in Suffolk, Virginia, earn a median hourly rate of $23.81, which is slightly below the national median of $24.03. This hourly wage means that part-time workers, perhaps those on a three-day workweek, can expect a reasonable level of income, especially in settings like general practice clinics or specialty hospitals, where the demand for skilled professionals remains high. Those entering the field can start around $18.73 per hour, while top earners in Suffolk can command up to $32.87. Given the various work environments—ranging from university teaching hospitals to specialized animal care facilities—the estimates for hourly pay are reflective of the annual salary data, emphasizing the growing importance of vet tech roles in the animal health industry.
About the Suffolk 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) | $18.73 | $149.81 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.96 | $159.68 |
| Median (P50) | $23.81 | $190.49 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $28.39 | $227.12 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $32.87 | $262.99 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Suffolk
Based on $23.81/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.81/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Suffolk, VA can expect to earn approximately $49,528 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,574. With a cost-of-living index of 103.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Suffolk.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Suffolk
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $952.45 | $4,127 | $49,528 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $571.47 | $2,476 | $29,717 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $380.98 | $1,651 | $19,811 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Suffolk) | $23.81 |
| 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 Suffolk, VA earn a median of $49,526 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.92% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 1.70% below the Virginia state average of $50,382.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.81/hr = $29,717/year (purchasing power: $28,795).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $49,528/year (purchasing power: $47,992).
CoL index: 103.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$16.83/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.57/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.81/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Suffolk (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $16.83/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.27/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.55/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $18.22/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.84/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $19.51/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.57/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.81/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25.12/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Suffolk grew 34.1% from $16.83/hr (2019) to $22.57/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $25.12/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 Suffolk 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 Suffolk
When considering part-time opportunities, a veterinary technologist or technician working three days a week might take home significantly less than a full-time counterpart. Often, per-diem veterinary technologists and technicians can bill at rates ranging from $25 to $40 per hour. Specialty technicians who possess VTS credentials frequently earn between $35 and $55 per hour, particularly in high-need environments such as overnight emergency rooms or specialty facilities. Employers vary widely in how they structure pay; for instance, corporate chain hospitals may offer lower hourly rates but provide extensive benefits packages, which can be appealing for some. Negotiating pay effectively in Suffolk might involve emphasizing experience, specialized certification, and the ability to work in high-demand areas, as the current market reflects a pressing need for well-trained veterinary staff, particularly against a backdrop of workforce shortages in the veterinary field.
More salary data for Suffolk, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Suffolk in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Suffolk?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Suffolk paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Suffolk?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Suffolk?
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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 Suffolk. 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 Suffolk 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