Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Martinsburg, WV: $19.63 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Martinsburg, WV runs $19.63 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $40,844 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Martinsburg's regional price level (BEA RPP 86.5, 13% below national), each hour of work buys what $22.70 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $24,503 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Martinsburg, West Virginia, the veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay is projected to be $19.63 in 2026, which is notably lower than the national median of $24.03 per hour. This disparity highlights the financial realities faced by professionals in local settings, including general practice treatment areas, specialty hospitals, and university clinics. For part-time workers, such as those averaging three days a week, this hourly rate translates to an annual income that may stretch their financial flexibility but may require careful budgeting compared to full-time colleagues. The hourly pay ranges from $15.07 at the entry-level (P10) to $24.12 for top earners (P90), indicating varying remuneration based on experience and specialty. These estimates provide a framework for understanding the market, yet they are rooted in annual salary data that inform hourly earnings.
About the Martinsburg 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) | $15.07 | $120.52 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $16.05 | $128.37 |
| Median (P50) | $19.63 | $157.07 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $22.95 | $183.57 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $24.12 | $192.94 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Martinsburg
Based on $19.63/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $19.63/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Martinsburg, WV can expect to earn approximately $40,838 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $23,560. With a cost-of-living index of 86.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Martinsburg.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Martinsburg
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $785.34 | $3,403 | $40,838 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $471.21 | $2,042 | $24,503 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $314.14 | $1,361 | $16,335 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Martinsburg) | $19.63 |
| 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 Martinsburg, WV earn a median of $40,844 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.29% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 5.50% below the West Virginia state average of $43,222.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $19.63/hr = $24,503/year (purchasing power: $28,327).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $40,838/year (purchasing power: $47,211).
CoL index: 86.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$13.87/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$18.61/hr
2026 Current Est.
$19.63/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Martinsburg (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $13.87/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $14.24/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $14.47/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $15.02/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $17.18/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $12.57/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $18.61/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $19.63/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $20.71/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Martinsburg grew 34.1% from $13.87/hr (2019) to $18.61/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $20.71/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 Martinsburg 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 Martinsburg
The financial dynamics for part-time veterinary technologists and technicians highlight significant earning potential in Martinsburg. A part-time position at 24 hours per week could yield an approximate take-home of just over $24,000 annually, considerably less than full-time earnings, yet allowing for flexibility in scheduling. The per diem reality adds another layer; locum tenens veterinary technologists often command rates between $25 and $40 per hour. Moreover, those with Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) credentials can achieve hourly earnings of $35 to $55, particularly in specialty settings that may offer night or weekend emergency coverage. Given the diverse environment across Martinsburg, ranging from corporate chains to local practices and research facilities, hourly wages can vary widely depending on the employer type. As veterinary professionals weigh the benefits of higher hourly rates against the security of working for an organization providing health insurance, negotiation becomes key. Vet techs in the area might leverage their skills, especially in times of critical staffing shortages, to secure competitive rates while maintaining awareness of their rights and benefits unique to their roles.
More salary data for Martinsburg, WV:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Martinsburg in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Martinsburg?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Martinsburg paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Martinsburg?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Martinsburg?
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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 Martinsburg. 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 Martinsburg 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