Vet Tech salary

Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Ashburn, VA: $49,315 (2026)

Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Ashburn, VA earns a median $49,315/year (≈ $23.71/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Ashburn's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $47,786 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.1% below the Virginia state average.

$49,315
Median Annual Salary
$23.71/hr
Median Hourly Rate
$38,245
Entry Level (P10)
$65,985
Top Earners (P90)

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Ashburn, VA — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Ashburn, VA veterinary technologist and technician salary overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

In Ashburn, Virginia, the veterinary technologist and technician salary is projected to reach a median annual figure of $49,315 in 2026, closely aligning with the national average of $49,986. This compensation range varies significantly, with the lowest 10% earning about $38,245 and the top 90% making up to $65,985. These figures, derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS data, take into account regional cost adjustments reflecting Ashburn’s relatively high cost of living, which sits at an index of 103.2. Factors such as the presence of established corporate chains like VCA and BluePearl significantly influence pay scales in this local market, potentially providing better salaries compared to independent veterinary practices.

About the Ashburn Market

Salary estimated from Virginia average ($40,000) adjusted for local cost of living.

Salary Breakdown

PercentileAnnualHourly
Entry Level (P10)$38,245$18.39
Lower Range (P25)$41,088$19.75
Median (P50)(typical)$49,315$23.71
Upper Range (P75)$60,357$29.01
Top Earners (P90)$65,985$31.72

Median Salary Position

$38,245$65,985
City Median: $49,315
National: $49,986
P10–P90 Range

1.34% below the national average

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Ashburn

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for veterinary technologist and technicians in Ashburn. The median salary is $49,315, compared to the national median of $49,986.$34.4K$43.1K$51.9K$60.6K$69.3K$38.2K10th Pctl$41.1K25th Pctl$49.3KMedian$60.4K75th Pctl$66.0K90th PctlUS Median$50.0K

In Ashburn, VA, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $27,740 (2026 est.). At $49,315, the local median is 1.34% below the national median of $49,986.

Source: BLS OEWS projected to 2026. Percentiles reflect the distribution of veterinary technologist and technician pay in the Ashburn metro area.

Salary Calculator

8 hrs (1 day)24 hrs (3 days)40 hrs (full-time)
$948
per week
$4,109
per month
$49,308
per year

At 40 hours/week in Ashburn: You'd be in the lower-middle range

How Ashburn Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares

Ashburn median: $49,315/year (2026)

Compared ToMedian SalaryAshburn Pays
Virginia Average$50,373-2.10% less
National Average$49,986-1.34% less
Horizontal bar chart comparing veterinary technologist and technician median salary in Ashburn ($49,315) with Virginia average ($50,373) and the US national median ($49,986).Ashburn$49,315Virginia Avg$50,373-2.10%US National$49,986-1.34%

Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Ashburn, VA earn a median of $49,315 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.34% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 2.10% below the Virginia state average of $50,373.

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary

$49,315
Nominal Salary
103.2
CoL Index
$47,786
Adjusted Salary

Ashburn has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.

Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.

The nominal salary is $49,315. After adjusting for a cost-of-living index of 103.2, the purchasing-power equivalent is $47,786, a loss of $1,529.$40.6K$44.8K$49.1K$53.3K$57.5K$49,315NominalSalary$47,786CoL Adjusted(CoL: 103.2) -3.10%US Median $50.0K

Ashburn, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $49,315 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $47,786 — a 3.1% reduction.

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2019 BLS Actual

$34,846

2025 BLS Actual

$46,744

2026 Current Est.

$49,315

2019–2027 Growth

+49.3%

Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Ashburn (20192027)

2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Salary trajectory chart for veterinary technologists and technicians in Ashburn. Baseline $34,846 in 2025, projected to $52,027 by 2027.$31.4K$37.4K$43.4K$49.4K$55.5K2019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$34.8K$35.8K$36.4K$37.7K$43.2K$40.4K$46.7K$49.3K$52.0K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2019$34,846Actual
2020$35,773Actual
2021$36,355Actual
2022$37,727Actual
2023$43,153Actual
2024$40,414Actual
2025$46,744Actual
2026(current)$49,315Estimated
2027$52,027Projected

Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Ashburn metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $34,846 (2019) to $46,744 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $52,027 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,181 (49.31%) from 2019.

Note: Historical values (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Ashburn metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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

ExperienceEstimated Salary Range
0-2 years (New Graduate)$38,245$41,088
3-5 years (Mid Career)$41,088$49,315
5+ years (Experienced)$49,315$60,357
10+ years (Top Earner)$60,357$65,985

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 Ashburn

The job market for veterinary technologists and technicians in Ashburn is comparatively small, with only 12 professionals currently employed in the area. This limited number may suggest a greater demand than supply, contributing to the upward trend in salaries, with an anticipated growth rate of 5.50% annually. However, the cost of living index indicates that professionals must consider purchasing power alongside their salaries. Top-paying opportunities are often found within specialty referral hospitals, particularly in emergency and critical care settings. Strategies for maximizing income include pursuing advanced credentials such as the VTS specialty designation, which can command hourly rates of $30-$45 or more. Additionally, seeking employment with corporate chains and 24-hour facilities that offer shift differentials can further enhance earnings in this competitive market.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do veterinary technologists and technicians make in Ashburn, VA in 2026?

The estimated 2026 median veterinary technologist and technician salary in Ashburn is $49,315/year ($23.71/hour), based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 5.50% annual growth). Salaries range from $38,245 at entry level (10th percentile) to $65,985 for experienced top earners (90th percentile). This puts Ashburn at 1.3% below the national median. Full-time veterinary technologists and technicians typically work 2,080 hours per year, though many positions offer part-time schedules with flexible hours across multiple practices.

Is Ashburn, VA a good place to work as a veterinary technologist and technician?

Ashburn veterinary technologist and technician salaries are 1.3% below the national average and 2.1% below the Virginia state average. The metro area employs approximately 12 veterinary technologists and technicians. With a cost-of-living index of 103.2, you should factor in higher living costs when evaluating compensation. Job availability depends on population density, the number of practices, and retirement turnover in the area.

Can veterinary technologists and technicians make $100K in Ashburn?

The median veterinary technologist and technician salary in Ashburn is $49,315, and the 90th percentile earns $65,985. Reaching $100K in this market typically requires a combination of advanced certifications, working at multiple practices, or transitioning into education or consulting roles.

What is the cost-of-living adjusted veterinary technologist and technician salary in Ashburn?

After adjusting for Ashburn's cost-of-living index of 103.2 (where 100 equals the national average), the $49,315 nominal salary has purchasing power equivalent to $47,786 in an average-cost city. This means living costs in Ashburn reduce the effective value of your salary by 3.1% compared to the national average — consider negotiating higher base pay or exploring nearby lower-cost metros.

How much does a veterinary technologist and technician make per hour in Ashburn?

Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Ashburn earn a median hourly rate of $23.71, which translates to approximately $49,315/year for full-time work (40 hours/week, 2,080 hours/year). Hourly rates range from $18.39 for entry-level positions to $31.72 for the most experienced practitioners. Part-time and per diem veterinary technologists and technicians sometimes command premium hourly rates because practices need flexible scheduling coverage.

Related Pages

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JL

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.

Clinically reviewed by Sofia Patel, RVTData verified by Mark Chen, LVT

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 $46,744 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Ashburn 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 Ashburn is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).

View estimation methodology

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

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