Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Huntington, WV: $20.21 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Huntington, WV runs $20.21 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $42,040 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Huntington's regional price level (BEA RPP 86.5, 13% below national), each hour of work buys what $23.37 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $25,227 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Huntington, West Virginia, the veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay is projected at $20.21 for 2026, falling notably below the national median of $24.03. This hourly wage reflects the unique economic conditions in the region, impacting both full-time and part-time opportunities. For those who may opt for part-time roles, typically around three days a week, this translates to an approximately two-thirds income compared to full-time employment, which influences their overall annual take-home. Entry-level positions in the field can start at around $15.02 per hour, while top earners in specialized roles may reach upward of $26.75, allowing for varying income based on experience and setting. The calculated estimates are derived from annual salary data, positioning this career as a viable option amid ongoing workforce demands.
About the Huntington 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) | $15.02 | $120.19 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $17.43 | $139.43 |
| Median (P50) | $20.21 | $161.71 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $24.69 | $197.50 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $26.75 | $214.04 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Huntington
Based on $20.21/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $20.21/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Huntington, WV can expect to earn approximately $42,045 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $24,257. With a cost-of-living index of 86.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Huntington.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Huntington
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $808.55 | $3,504 | $42,045 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $485.13 | $2,102 | $25,227 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $323.42 | $1,401 | $16,818 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Huntington) | $20.21 |
| 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 Huntington, WV earn a median of $42,040 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.90% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 2.80% below the West Virginia state average of $43,251.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $20.21/hr = $25,227/year (purchasing power: $29,164).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $42,045/year (purchasing power: $48,607).
CoL index: 86.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$15.24/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$19.16/hr
2026 Current Est.
$20.21/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+39.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Huntington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $15.24/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $12.22/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $14.22/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $14.25/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $15.15/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $16.97/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $19.16/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $20.21/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $21.33/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Huntington grew 25.7% from $15.24/hr (2019) to $19.16/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $21.33/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 Huntington 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 Huntington
Employment as a veterinary technologist and technician presents diverse income potential, especially for those considering part-time work. A part-time tech working 24 hours a week can anticipate an annual income significantly lower than full-time counterparts. For per-diem roles, there's a different earning dynamic altogether; these workers often charge between $25 and $40 hourly, with specialty credentialed technicians earning $35 to $55, particularly in high-demand emergency and specialty settings. Different employer types also contribute to pay variability; for example, general practice clinics may offer lower wages, while corporate chains and specialty hospitals can provide more competitive hourly rates. Accepting lower hourly wages in exchange for benefits like health insurance can be strategic. Effective negotiation is essential for veterinary technologists and technicians in Huntington to maximize their hourly compensation, especially in a market facing significant vet tech shortages.
More salary data for Huntington, WV:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Huntington in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Huntington?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Huntington paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Huntington?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Huntington?
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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 Huntington. 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 Huntington 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