Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Wheeling, WV: $18.29 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Wheeling, WV runs $18.29 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $38,064 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Wheeling's regional price level (BEA RPP 88.3, 12% below national), each hour of work buys what $20.71 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $22,831 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Wheeling, West Virginia, the projected hourly pay for veterinary technologists and technicians stands at $18.29. This figure is lower than the national hourly median of $24.03, reflecting local market dynamics. Part-time workers, such as those employed three days a week, can expect to earn roughly $1,184 weekly based on this rate, which can be attractive for balancing personal commitments while working in various settings like general practice clinics, specialty hospitals, teaching hospitals, and even for zoo or aquarium medical units. Entry-level positions earn near $11.98 hourly, ascending to approximately $24.52 for experienced technicians. These hourly figures are part of the official BLS data projected for 2026, offering insights into what candidates might expect in their careers in Wheeling, WV.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $11.98 | $95.88 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $14.50 | $115.97 |
| Median (P50) | $18.29 | $146.35 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $23.25 | $186.02 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $24.52 | $196.15 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Wheeling
Based on $18.29/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $18.29/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Wheeling, WV can expect to earn approximately $38,051 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $21,952. With a cost-of-living index of 88.32 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Wheeling.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Wheeling
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $731.75 | $3,171 | $38,051 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $439.05 | $1,903 | $22,831 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $292.70 | $1,268 | $15,220 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Wheeling) | $18.29 |
| 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 Wheeling, WV earn a median of $38,064 per year (2026 est.), which is 23.85% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 12.00% below the West Virginia state average of $43,255.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $18.29/hr = $22,831/year (purchasing power: $25,849).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $38,051/year (purchasing power: $43,082).
CoL index: 88.323 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$12.93/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$17.34/hr
2026 Current Est.
$18.29/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Wheeling (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $12.93/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $14.16/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $16.30/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $15.85/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $17.25/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $16.65/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $17.34/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $18.29/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $19.30/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Wheeling grew 34.1% from $12.93/hr (2019) to $17.34/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $19.30/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 Wheeling 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 Wheeling
For those considering part-time work, a veterinary technologist or technician spending around 24 hours a week typically takes home about $61,568 annually, compared to full-time colleagues who would earn significantly more. Per-diem veterinary technologists can often negotiate higher rates, charging between $25 to $40 per hour, especially in more specialized settings like emergency and specialty hospitals, where weekend or overnight shifts might command between $30 to $50 per hour due to staffing shortages. Hourly rates vary based on the employer type; corporate chains may offer different pay scales and benefits compared to private practices or research facilities. While some may opt for slightly lower hourly pay for the benefits that come with full-time positions, others might prioritize maximum earning potential through per diem or agency work. As Wheeling continues to experience veterinary workforce challenges, negotiation skills become critical for workers seeking to maximize their hourly compensation while balancing their career aspirations and personal needs.
More salary data for Wheeling, WV:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Wheeling in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Wheeling?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Wheeling paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Wheeling?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Wheeling?
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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 Wheeling. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 6-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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