Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Fairmont, WV: $19.35 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Fairmont, WV runs $19.35 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $40,236 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Fairmont's regional price level (BEA RPP 86.5, 13% below national), each hour of work buys what $22.37 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $24,147 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Fairmont, West Virginia, veterinary technologists and technicians earn a median hourly rate of $19.35, which notably falls short of the national median of $24.03. This disparity could impact those seeking part-time roles, particularly as many professionals often work three days a week in various settings such as general practice clinics or specialty hospitals. The hourly wage range spans from $16.08 for entry-level positions to approximately $24.37 for those at the top of their field. This rating serves as a critical indicator for prospective veterinary professionals in Fairmont, as it directly influences their overall experience and expectations in different work environments like university teaching hospitals or pharmaceutical research facilities. Hourly earnings reflect estimates derived from annual data and highlight the need for strategic career paths tailored to one’s financial goals.
About the Fairmont 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) | $16.08 | $128.63 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $16.65 | $133.18 |
| Median (P50) | $19.35 | $154.79 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $22.98 | $183.82 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $24.37 | $194.96 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Fairmont
Based on $19.35/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $19.35/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Fairmont, WV can expect to earn approximately $40,245 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $23,218. With a cost-of-living index of 86.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Fairmont.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Fairmont
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $773.95 | $3,354 | $40,245 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $464.37 | $2,012 | $24,147 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $309.58 | $1,342 | $16,098 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Fairmont) | $19.35 |
| 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 Fairmont, WV earn a median of $40,236 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.51% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 6.90% below the West Virginia state average of $43,218.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $19.35/hr = $24,147/year (purchasing power: $27,916).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $40,245/year (purchasing power: $46,526).
CoL index: 86.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$13.67/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$18.34/hr
2026 Current Est.
$19.35/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Fairmont (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $13.67/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $14.04/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $14.26/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $14.80/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $16.93/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $12.38/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $18.34/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $19.35/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $20.41/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Fairmont grew 34.1% from $13.67/hr (2019) to $18.34/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $20.41/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 Fairmont 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 Fairmont
Hourly earnings can significantly influence the overall financial reality for veterinary technologists and technicians. Those who work part-time, say three days a week for a total of 24 hours, might expect a take-home salary that significantly differs from full-time counterparts. While part-time roles offer flexibility, the choice between per-diem positions often emerges for those looking for higher pay. Per-diem veterinary technologist and technician pay in Fairmont can range from $25 to $40 an hour, with specialized VTS-credentialed positions commanding between $35 and $55 per hour. Moreover, overnight shifts or work in understaffed emergency rooms can earn better pay, reaching $30 to $50 per hour. The variation in hourly rates across different employers—from general practice clinics to corporate chains—reflects the impact of corporate consolidation on pay scales. Veterinary professionals often have to balance the trade-off between higher hourly rates without benefits and lower rates with essential health insurance, making thoughtful negotiation critical for achieving satisfactory compensation in Fairmont.
More salary data for Fairmont, WV:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Fairmont in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Fairmont?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Fairmont paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Fairmont?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Fairmont?
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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 Fairmont. 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 Fairmont 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