Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Anaheim, CA: $31.32 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Anaheim, CA runs $31.32 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $65,146 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Anaheim's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $27.69 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $39,091 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Anaheim, California, veterinary technologists and technicians earn a median hourly rate of $31.32, significantly higher than the national median of $24.03. This difference reflects the area's cost of living and demand for skilled professionals in various settings such as general practice treatment areas, specialty hospitals, and university clinics. For part-time workers, particularly those on a three-day work week, this translates to earnings that can provide a viable income while allowing flexibility for other commitments. The hourly range spans from $22.22 for entry-level positions to $43.71 for top earners, illustrating a potential for significant advancement in pay as experience and specialization increase.
About the Anaheim 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) | $22.22 | $177.75 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.69 | $197.50 |
| Median (P50) | $31.32 | $250.58 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $39.18 | $313.46 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $43.71 | $349.67 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Anaheim
Based on $31.32/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.32/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Anaheim, CA can expect to earn approximately $65,152 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $37,588. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Anaheim.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Anaheim
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,252.92 | $5,429 | $65,152 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $751.75 | $3,258 | $39,091 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $501.17 | $2,172 | $26,061 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Anaheim) | $31.32 |
| 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 Anaheim, CA earn a median of $65,146 per year (2026 est.), which is 30.33% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 4.00% above the California state average of $62,641.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.32/hr = $39,091/year (purchasing power: $34,563).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $65,152/year (purchasing power: $57,605).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$22.13/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.69/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.32/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Anaheim (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.13/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.72/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.09/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.96/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.41/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $30.22/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.69/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.32/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $33.05/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Anaheim grew 34.1% from $22.13/hr (2019) to $29.69/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $33.05/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 Anaheim 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 Anaheim
Considering part-time versus full-time positions, a veterinary technologist and technician working 24 hours a week might take home approximately $49,181 annually, contrasting starkly with a full-time colleague's earnings. Per diem veterinary technologist and technician pay in Anaheim can vary widely; while many bill between $25 and $40 per hour, specialized technicians with VTS credentials may command rates of $35 to $55. Beyond standard hourly pay, the type of employer greatly affects compensation—general practice clinics might pay less than corporate chains or specialty hospitals. Accepting a lower hourly rate in exchange for benefits like health insurance is a common trade-off, which can weigh heavily on decisions for many professionals. For those negotiating in this competitive market, being aware of current rates and demonstrating specialized skills can provide leverage for higher pay.
More salary data for Anaheim, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Anaheim in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Anaheim?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Anaheim paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Anaheim?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Anaheim?
Related Pages
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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 Anaheim. 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 Anaheim 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