Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Beckley, WV: $19.37 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Beckley, WV runs $19.37 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $40,281 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Beckley's regional price level (BEA RPP 86.5, 13% below national), each hour of work buys what $22.39 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $24,174 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Veterinary technologists and technicians in Beckley, West Virginia earn a median hourly rate of $19.37, significantly lower than the national median of $24.03. This disparity reflects the local job market and economic conditions; for part-time workers who typically schedule three days a week, this means gross earnings of approximately $1,076 per month. In per-diem roles within various animal healthcare settings, such as general practice clinics, emergency and critical care wards, and research facilities, technicians often earn a wide range of hourly pay. The pay scale starts at around $16.13 for entry-level positions and can go up to $25.06 for those at the top of their field, indicating a potential for growth and higher earnings with experience and specialized skill sets.
About the Beckley Market
Salary estimated from West Virginia average ($32,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $16.13 | $129.05 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $16.69 | $133.52 |
| Median (P50) | $19.37 | $154.96 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $22.34 | $178.76 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $25.06 | $200.45 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Beckley
Based on $19.37/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $19.37/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Beckley, WV can expect to earn approximately $40,289 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $23,244. With a cost-of-living index of 86.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Beckley.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Beckley
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $774.79 | $3,357 | $40,289 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $464.88 | $2,014 | $24,174 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $309.92 | $1,343 | $16,116 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Beckley) | $19.37 |
| 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 Beckley, WV earn a median of $40,281 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.42% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 6.80% below the West Virginia state average of $43,220.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $19.37/hr = $24,174/year (purchasing power: $27,946).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $40,289/year (purchasing power: $46,577).
CoL index: 86.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$13.69/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$18.36/hr
2026 Current Est.
$19.37/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Beckley (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $13.69/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $14.05/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $14.28/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $14.82/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $16.95/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $12.40/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $18.36/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $19.37/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $20.44/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Beckley grew 34.1% from $13.69/hr (2019) to $18.36/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $20.44/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 Beckley 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 Beckley
When evaluating part-time earning potential, a veterinary technologist and technician working 24 hours per week can expect to take home about $18,301 annually, notably less than their full-time counterparts. Per-diem or agency technicians often charge $25-$40 per hour, while VTS-certified specialists can command $35-$55 per hour, especially for weekend or overnight shifts in high-demand areas. Different employer types in the region further affect pay, with general practice clinics typically offering lower compensation compared to corporate chains or specialty hospitals. Many technicians face a choice between a higher hourly rate without benefits and a more modest pay that includes health insurance and retirement options. Negotiating pay in Beckley can be strategic, with a focus on demonstrating specialized skills or asking for flexible hours to increase appeal and potentially enhance their hourly rate.
More salary data for Beckley, WV:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Beckley in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Beckley?
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How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Beckley?
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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 Beckley. 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 Beckley 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