Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in The Dalles, OR: $51,827 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in The Dalles, OR earns a median $51,827/year (≈ $24.92/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in The Dalles's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 102.6), that paycheck buys what $50,514 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.3% below the Oregon state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the projected salary for a veterinary technologist and technician in The Dalles, Oregon, is estimated at $51,827 annually, which reflects a healthy increase compared to national figures. With a salary range spanning from $42,666 at the 10th percentile to $66,549 at the 90th percentile, these local estimates, derived from BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional pricing, highlight a promising landscape for aspiring and current professionals in the field. The emerging demand for veterinary technicians, particularly those seeking VTS credentials in emergency and critical care (ECC) and anesthesia, can drastically elevate earning potential. As the workforce continues to face challenges, especially with ongoing shortages, this market is ripe for those willing to specialize.
About the The Dalles Market
Salary estimated from Oregon average ($48,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $42,666 | $20.51 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $44,348 | $21.32 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $51,827 | $24.92 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $62,459 | $30.03 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $66,549 | $32.00 |
Median Salary Position
3.68% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in The Dalles
In The Dalles, OR, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $23,883 (2026 est.). At $51,827, the local median is 3.68% above the national median of $49,986.
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At 40 hours/week in The Dalles: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How The Dalles Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
The Dalles median: $51,827/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | The Dalles Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Oregon Average | $55,908 | -7.30% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | +3.68% more |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in The Dalles, OR earn a median of $51,827 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.68% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 7.30% below the Oregon state average of $55,908.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
The Dalles has a cost of living 2.60% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
The Dalles, OR has a cost-of-living index of 102.6 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $51,827 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $50,514 — a 2.53% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$36,621
2025 BLS Actual
$49,125
2026 Current Est.
$51,827
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in The Dalles (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $36,621 | Actual |
| 2020 | $37,595 | Actual |
| 2021 | $38,207 | Actual |
| 2022 | $39,648 | Actual |
| 2023 | $45,351 | Actual |
| 2024 | $45,643 | Actual |
| 2025 | $49,125 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $51,827 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $54,677 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the The Dalles metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $36,621 (2019) to $49,125 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $54,677 by 2027 — a total increase of $18,056 (49.31%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the The Dalles 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) | $42,666 – $44,348 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $44,348 – $51,827 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $51,827 – $62,459 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $62,459 – $66,549 |
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 The Dalles
Examining the employment context in The Dalles reveals that there are currently six veterinary technologists and technicians, reflecting a niche job market. The cost of living index stands at 102.6, indicating that while salaries are competitive, take-home pay may afford slightly less purchasing power compared to national averages. Among local employers, specialty hospitals typically offer the highest compensation, especially for those with VTS credentials in areas such as surgery and internal medicine. The disparity in pay also arises from factors like corporate chain pay scales, which may differ from general practice settings, and opportunities for shift differentials at 24-hour emergency facilities. To maximize earnings in this specific market, pursuing VTS certification, seeking positions in specialty hospitals, and leveraging mentorship opportunities can significantly enhance professional value and income potential.
More salary data for The Dalles, 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 $49,125 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the The Dalles 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 The Dalles 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