Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Alhambra, CA: $29.67 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Alhambra, CA runs $29.67 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $61,708 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Alhambra's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $26.23 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,024 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Veterinary technologists and technicians in Alhambra, CA, earn a median hourly rate of $29.67, notably higher than the national median of $24.03. This pay level provides significant opportunities for part-time or per-diem work, often appealing to those seeking flexibility in their schedules. Typical settings for these professionals include general practice treatment areas, specialty hospital intensive care units, university clinics, and even pharmaceutical research facilities, allowing entry-level workers to start at around $23.43 per hour while experienced technicians can earn up to $40.08 per hour. With the evolving veterinary workforce and increased demand, the projected hourly rates, derived from 2026 estimates, highlight the potential for lucrative compensation in various environments across Alhambra.
About the Alhambra 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) | $23.43 | $187.45 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.95 | $199.61 |
| Median (P50) | $29.67 | $237.33 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $35.41 | $283.25 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $40.08 | $320.64 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Alhambra
Based on $29.67/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.67/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Alhambra, CA can expect to earn approximately $61,707 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,600. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Alhambra.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Alhambra
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,186.66 | $5,142 | $61,707 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $712.00 | $3,085 | $37,024 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $474.67 | $2,057 | $24,683 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Alhambra) | $29.67 |
| 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 Alhambra, CA earn a median of $61,708 per year (2026 est.), which is 23.45% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 1.50% below the California state average of $62,648.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.67/hr = $37,024/year (purchasing power: $32,736).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $61,707/year (purchasing power: $54,559).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$20.96/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.12/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.67/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Alhambra (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.96/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.52/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $21.87/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.70/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.96/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $27.86/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.12/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.67/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.30/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Alhambra grew 34.1% from $20.96/hr (2019) to $28.12/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.30/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 Alhambra 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 Alhambra
For those opting for part-time positions, working three days a week (24 hours) can lead to an annual income that still underscores a sustainable lifestyle although it is lower than what full-time positions would offer. Per-diem veterinary technologists and technicians in Alhambra typically bill around $25-$40 per hour, while those with specialty credentials can earn between $35 and $55 per hour. Weekend or overnight shifts in emergency rooms may command even higher rates, reflecting the ongoing labor shortage in the field. Different employer types in the area further influence hourly pay, as general practices may offer lower rates compared to specialty hospitals or pharmaceutical research labs. Veterinary technologists and technicians should consider the trade-off between higher hourly rates without benefits and positions that offer health insurance and other perks. Negotiating effectively for fair pay in Alhambra is essential, especially noting that many facilities are looking to attract and retain skilled professionals in this competitive market.
More salary data for Alhambra, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Alhambra in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Alhambra?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Alhambra paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Alhambra?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Alhambra?
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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 Alhambra. 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 Alhambra 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