Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Forest Grove, OR: $54,596 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Forest Grove, OR earns a median $54,596/year (≈ $26.25/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Forest Grove's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 102.6), that paycheck buys what $53,212 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.4% below the Oregon state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Forest Grove, OR, veterinary technologists and technicians can expect a median annual salary of $54,596 for 2026, which surpasses the national median of $49,986 by approximately 9.22%. The local salary range spans from $40,962 at the lower end (10th percentile) to $69,360 at the higher end (90th percentile), reflecting the diverse opportunities available within the field. These figures are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS data, factoring in state-level influences and regional cost variations. As professionals pursuing specialized credentials like the Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) in emergency and critical care (VTS-ECC) or anesthesia can significantly enhance their earning potential, Forest Grove's job market appears promising for those looking to elevate their careers in veterinary technology.
About the Forest Grove Market
Salary estimated from Oregon average ($48,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,962 | $19.70 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $44,031 | $21.17 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $54,596 | $26.25 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $64,897 | $31.20 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $69,360 | $33.35 |
Median Salary Position
9.22% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Forest Grove
In Forest Grove, OR, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $28,398 (2026 est.). At $54,596, the local median is 9.22% above the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Forest Grove: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Forest Grove Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Forest Grove median: $54,596/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Forest Grove Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Oregon Average | $55,939 | -2.40% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | +9.22% more |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Forest Grove, OR earn a median of $54,596 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.22% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 2.40% below the Oregon state average of $55,939.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Forest Grove has a cost of living 2.60% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Forest Grove, OR has a cost-of-living index of 102.6 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $54,596 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $53,212 — a 2.53% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$38,578
2025 BLS Actual
$51,750
2026 Current Est.
$54,596
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Forest Grove (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $38,578 | Actual |
| 2020 | $39,604 | Actual |
| 2021 | $40,249 | Actual |
| 2022 | $41,767 | Actual |
| 2023 | $47,774 | Actual |
| 2024 | $48,082 | Actual |
| 2025 | $51,750 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $54,596 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $57,599 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Forest Grove metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $38,578 (2019) to $51,750 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $57,599 by 2027 — a total increase of $19,021 (49.31%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Forest Grove 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $40,962 – $44,031 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $44,031 – $54,596 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $54,596 – $64,897 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $64,897 – $69,360 |
Vet Tech salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual veterinary technologist and technician compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Job Market in Forest Grove
With only four veterinary technologists and technicians currently employed in Forest Grove, the local workforce is limited, which can lead to competitive salaries amid heightened demand for skilled professionals in the field. The area's cost-of-living index is slightly above the national average at 102.6, implying that while earnings may be attractive, take-home purchasing power can be impacted. Employers such as corporate chains and specialty hospitals often offer higher pay scales; thus, securing a position at these facilities can be advantageous. Factors influencing compensation levels include the VTS specialty credential, which commands premium wages, and differing pay structures between corporate hospitals and general practice settings. To optimize earnings in this market, focusing on obtaining specialty certifications and seeking employment in high-paying institutions, such as emergency hospitals or specialty clinics, will be essential strategies for maximizing veterinary technologist and technician pay in Forest Grove, OR.
More salary data for Forest Grove, OR:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $51,750 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Forest Grove metropolitan area. A 5.50% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Forest Grove 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