Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Alameda, CA: $29.24 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Alameda, CA runs $29.24 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $60,821 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Alameda's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $25.86 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $36,497 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Alameda, California, veterinary technologists and technicians earn a median hourly rate of $29.24, significantly surpassing the national median of $24.03 per hour. This competitive pay reflects the high demand for skilled professionals in various settings, such as general practices, specialty hospitals, and even unique environments like zoos or pharmaceutical research facilities. For part-time workers scheduled three days a week, this hourly rate can translate into a stable income, allowing for flexible work choices and the possibility of performing within a per-diem framework. Entry-level workers can expect approximately $22.43 per hour, while the most experienced technicians may earn up to $39.66 per hour, showcasing a wide range of compensation opportunities in Alameda's veterinary sector.
About the Alameda Market
Salary estimated from California average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $22.43 | $179.43 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.09 | $192.69 |
| Median (P50) | $29.24 | $233.96 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36.20 | $289.58 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $39.66 | $317.26 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Alameda
Based on $29.24/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.24/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Alameda, CA can expect to earn approximately $60,829 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,094. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Alameda.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Alameda
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,169.78 | $5,069 | $60,829 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $701.87 | $3,041 | $36,497 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $467.91 | $2,028 | $24,332 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Alameda) | $29.24 |
| 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 Alameda, CA earn a median of $60,821 per year (2026 est.), which is 21.68% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 2.90% below the California state average of $62,637.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.24/hr = $36,497/year (purchasing power: $32,270).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $60,829/year (purchasing power: $53,783).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$20.66/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.72/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.24/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Alameda (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.66/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.21/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $21.56/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.37/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.59/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $27.46/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.72/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.24/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.85/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Alameda grew 34.1% from $20.66/hr (2019) to $27.72/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.85/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 Alameda 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 Alameda
For part-time veterinary technologists and technicians who work 24 hours a week, the annual income can be quite different from full-time counterparts, allowing for a pleasant work-life balance. When evaluating per diem opportunities in Alameda, these professionals might typically command between $25 and $40 per hour, whereas VTS-credentialed specialists could see their pay scale rise to between $35 and $55 per hour, especially in high-need areas like emergency and critical care. Hourly pay varies substantially depending on the employer type; for instance, corporate chain hospitals may offer competitive rates but might not provide the same benefits as specialty referral hospitals or academic institutions. It's common for technicians to weigh the trade-offs between higher hourly pay without benefits versus lower pay with essential health insurance. For those negotiating their pay, emphasizing their credentials and the local market demand can significantly impact their final hourly rate, making it essential to stay informed about current trends in veterinary technician compensation across Alameda.
More salary data for Alameda, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Alameda in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Alameda?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Alameda paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Alameda?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Alameda?
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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 Alameda. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Alameda 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