Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Oak Harbor, WA: $28.45 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Oak Harbor, WA runs $28.45 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $59,176 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Oak Harbor's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $26.49 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,510 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
The hourly compensation for veterinary technologists and technicians in Oak Harbor, WA, is projected to be $28.45 in 2026, which is significantly higher than the national hourly median of $24.03. This competitive rate affords practitioners flexibility in work schedules, providing viable paths for part-time and per-diem employment. For example, those seeking part-time opportunities by working three days a week may earn a substantial income, taking into account their hours in dynamic settings such as general practice clinics, specialty hospitals, university teaching hospitals, and even zoological medical units. The estimated hourly range varies, with entry-level positions starting around $21.97, escalating to as high as $34.89 for skilled professionals in advanced roles. This range illustrates the potential earnings across the profession, allowing individuals to navigate their work-life balance effectively.
About the Oak Harbor Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($50,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $21.97 | $175.72 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.26 | $186.10 |
| Median (P50) | $28.45 | $227.63 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $33.30 | $266.37 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $34.89 | $279.11 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Oak Harbor
Based on $28.45/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.45/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Oak Harbor, WA can expect to earn approximately $59,183 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,144. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Oak Harbor.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Oak Harbor
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,138.13 | $4,932 | $59,183 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $682.88 | $2,959 | $35,510 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $455.25 | $1,973 | $23,673 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Oak Harbor) | $28.45 |
| 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 Oak Harbor, WA earn a median of $59,176 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.39% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 5.50% below the Washington state average of $62,620.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.45/hr = $35,510/year (purchasing power: $33,063).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $59,183/year (purchasing power: $55,105).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$20.11/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$26.97/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.45/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Oak Harbor (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.11/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $20.64/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $20.98/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $21.77/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $24.90/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $24.40/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $26.97/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.45/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.02/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Oak Harbor grew 34.1% from $20.11/hr (2019) to $26.97/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.02/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 Oak Harbor 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 Oak Harbor
Looking at the earning potential from a part-time perspective, a veterinary technologist and technician working 24 hours a week could expect to take home approximately $41,882 annually, a stark contrast to a full-time salary. Per-diem and agency workers are often attracted to the higher rates they can command, billing anywhere from $25 to $40 per hour, with Veterinary Technician Specialists able to demand between $35 and $55 per hour. In understaffed environments, particularly during weekends or overnight shifts, those rates can escalate to between $30 and $50 per hour. Hourly pay can be influenced by the type of employer as well; while general practice and corporate chain clinics, such as VCA and BluePearl, may offer lower rates relative to specialty hospitals, the added benefits of health insurance and paid time off might appeal to some workers. Effective negotiation in Oak Harbor's job market, considering the rapid pace of job growth in the field, could also play a critical role in achieving optimal pay.
More salary data for Oak Harbor, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Oak Harbor in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Oak Harbor?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Oak Harbor paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Oak Harbor?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Oak Harbor?
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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 Oak Harbor. 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 Oak Harbor 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