Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Antioch, CA: $29.74 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Antioch, CA runs $29.74 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $61,857 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Antioch's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $26.30 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,116 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Antioch, California, the veterinary technologist and technician hourly rate is projected to reach $29.74 in 2026, which significantly surpasses the national average of $24.03 per hour. This competitive pay reflects the region's demand for skilled professionals in various settings, such as general practice clinics, specialty hospitals, and even pharmaceutical research facilities. For those considering part-time positions, working three days a week can yield substantial earnings, making it an attractive option for individuals balancing other commitments. The hourly pay range for these roles varies widely from $22.19 at the entry-level to as high as $40.96 for the most experienced workers, allowing for a rewarding career as professionals develop their skills and expertise in the field.
About the Antioch 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) | $22.19 | $177.49 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.15 | $193.19 |
| Median (P50) | $29.74 | $237.92 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37.04 | $296.33 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $40.96 | $327.64 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Antioch
Based on $29.74/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.74/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Antioch, CA can expect to earn approximately $61,860 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,689. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Antioch.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Antioch
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,189.62 | $5,155 | $61,860 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $713.77 | $3,093 | $37,116 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $475.85 | $2,062 | $24,744 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Antioch) | $29.74 |
| 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 Antioch, CA earn a median of $61,857 per year (2026 est.), which is 23.75% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 1.20% below the California state average of $62,608.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.74/hr = $37,116/year (purchasing power: $32,817).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $61,860/year (purchasing power: $54,695).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$21.01/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.19/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.74/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Antioch (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.01/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.57/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $21.92/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.75/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.02/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $27.93/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.19/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.74/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.38/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Antioch grew 34.1% from $21.01/hr (2019) to $28.19/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.38/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 Antioch 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 Antioch
Part-time workers in this profession typically earn less than full-time counterparts, with a 24-hour workweek translating to an annual take-home pay that might not reach the same heights as full-timers but can still provide financial stability. Per-diem veterinary technologists and technicians in Antioch often bill between $25 and $40 an hour, with those holding VTS credentials commanding rates of $35 to $55 per hour in specialized settings. Rates can climb even higher for emergency coverage roles in understaffed facilities, ranging from $30 to $50 hourly. Furthermore, hourly wages can differ based on employer types; general clinics may pay less than corporate chains or specialty hospitals, where the pay scale may reflect the trade-off between compensation and benefits like health insurance. When negotiating pay, experienced workers should emphasize their credentials and consider the overall compensation package, weighing benefits against hourly rate differences in this competitive market.
More salary data for Antioch, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Antioch in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Antioch?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Antioch paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Antioch?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Antioch?
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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 Antioch. 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 Antioch 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