Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Parkersburg, WV: $20.15 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Parkersburg, WV runs $20.15 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $41,919 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Parkersburg's regional price level (BEA RPP 86.5, 13% below national), each hour of work buys what $23.30 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $25,148 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Veterinary technologists and technicians in Parkersburg, West Virginia, can expect a median hourly pay of $20.15 as of 2026, which falls below the national median hourly rate of $24.03. This disparity is significant for those in part-time or per-diem positions, typically working three days a week in various settings such as general practice clinics, specialty hospitals, or educational institutions. The hourly compensation ranges from $16.47 for entry-level positions to $26.56 for more experienced practitioners, reflecting the skill levels and responsibilities associated with this profession. These numbers are derived from projected annual salary data, giving aspiring veterinary professionals a clear understanding of their potential earnings.
About the Parkersburg 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) | $16.47 | $131.75 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $17.31 | $138.50 |
| Median (P50) | $20.15 | $161.20 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $24.55 | $196.40 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $26.56 | $212.52 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Parkersburg
Based on $20.15/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $20.15/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Parkersburg, WV can expect to earn approximately $41,913 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $24,181. With a cost-of-living index of 86.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Parkersburg.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Parkersburg
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $806.02 | $3,493 | $41,913 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $483.61 | $2,096 | $25,148 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $322.41 | $1,397 | $16,765 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Parkersburg) | $20.15 |
| 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 Parkersburg, WV earn a median of $41,919 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.14% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 3.00% below the West Virginia state average of $43,216.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $20.15/hr = $25,148/year (purchasing power: $29,073).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $41,913/year (purchasing power: $48,454).
CoL index: 86.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$14.24/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$19.10/hr
2026 Current Est.
$20.15/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Parkersburg (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $14.24/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $16.79/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $14.86/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $15.42/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $17.63/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $12.90/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $19.10/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $20.15/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $21.26/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Parkersburg grew 34.1% from $14.24/hr (2019) to $19.10/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $21.26/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 Parkersburg 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 Parkersburg
For part-time veterinary technologists and technicians working a 24-hour week, the income can differ dramatically compared to full-time colleagues. While part-timers may find themselves earning nearly $20,000 less per year than full-time staff, the flexibility of per-diem work presents lucrative opportunities, allowing temporary staff to command rates of $25 to $40 an hour. Specialty credentialing can elevate pay significantly, with VTS-certified technicians earning between $35 and $55 per hour, particularly during high-demand shifts such as weekends or overnight coverage. In Parkersburg, pay rates vary widely depending on the type of employer, with corporate chains often offering different compensation than independent practices or research facilities. Balancing benefits with pay is essential; some may accept lower hourly rates for the sake of health insurance. Those negotiating their hourly pay should be well-informed about local wage trends and be prepared to advocate for higher compensation based on their qualifications and market demand.
More salary data for Parkersburg, WV:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Parkersburg in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Parkersburg?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Parkersburg paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Parkersburg?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Parkersburg?
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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 Parkersburg. 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 Parkersburg 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