Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Pendleton, OR: $53,720 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Pendleton, OR earns a median $53,720/year (≈ $25.83/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Pendleton's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 102.6), that paycheck buys what $52,359 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.9% below the Oregon state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Pendleton, OR, the 2026 median annual salary for veterinary technologists and technicians is projected to be $53,720, reflecting a competitive position compared to the national median of $49,986. Local salaries range from $42,945 at the 10th percentile to $65,723 for those at the 90th percentile, indicating a healthy spectrum for pay in this field. These figures derive from state-level data and regional price parity estimates, illustrating the unique economic landscape of Pendleton. The presence of corporate chain hospitals like VCA and BluePearl contributes significantly to how the local market compensates veterinary support staff, helping maintain stronger pay scales as demand for veterinary services continues to grow.
About the Pendleton Market
Salary estimated from Oregon average ($48,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $42,945 | $20.65 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $45,037 | $21.65 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $53,720 | $25.83 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $63,864 | $30.70 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $65,723 | $31.60 |
Median Salary Position
7.47% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Pendleton
In Pendleton, OR, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $22,778 (2026 est.). At $53,720, the local median is 7.47% above the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Pendleton: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Pendleton Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Pendleton median: $53,720/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Pendleton Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Oregon Average | $55,900 | -3.90% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | +7.47% more |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Pendleton, OR earn a median of $53,720 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.47% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 3.90% below the Oregon state average of $55,900.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Pendleton has a cost of living 2.60% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Pendleton, OR has a cost-of-living index of 102.6 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $53,720 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $52,359 — a 2.53% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$37,958
2025 BLS Actual
$50,919
2026 Current Est.
$53,720
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Pendleton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $37,958 | Actual |
| 2020 | $38,968 | Actual |
| 2021 | $39,602 | Actual |
| 2022 | $41,096 | Actual |
| 2023 | $47,007 | Actual |
| 2024 | $47,310 | Actual |
| 2025 | $50,919 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $53,720 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $56,674 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Pendleton metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $37,958 (2019) to $50,919 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $56,674 by 2027 — a total increase of $18,716 (49.31%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Pendleton 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) | $42,945 – $45,037 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $45,037 – $53,720 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $53,720 – $63,864 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $63,864 – $65,723 |
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 Pendleton
With five veterinary technologists and technicians currently employed in Pendleton, the job market remains relatively small yet stable. The cost of living index of 102.6 suggests that while living expenses are slightly above the national average, the compensation for this role still offers reasonable purchasing power. Corporate clinics often provide the highest wages, particularly when considering the additional benefits that may accompany specialized positions. Factors such as specialty credentialing, experience, and the type of veterinary practice—be it emergency care or general practice—greatly influence salary variations. For those in Pendleton looking to maximize their earning potential, obtaining a Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) credential, particularly in high-demand areas like emergency and critical care, can substantially impact pay scales, potentially leading to hourly wages in the $30 to $45 range.
More salary data for Pendleton, 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 $50,919 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Pendleton 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 Pendleton 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