Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Apple Valley, CA: $29.91 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Apple Valley, CA runs $29.91 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $62,214 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Apple Valley's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $26.44 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,327 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Apple Valley, California, the veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay is projected to be $29.91 for 2026, significantly exceeding the national hourly median of $24.03. This higher rate reflects the cost of living in the area, estimated at 113.1, which is above the national average. For part-time workers, such as those who may have a schedule of three days a week, this translates to a stable income while allowing flexibility in their personal lives. Per-diem workers in various settings—including general practice treatment areas, specialty hospitals, and research facilities—can also find substantial hourly wages, typically ranging from $21.63 for entry-level positions to $38.92 for more experienced technicians. Given the estimated hourly figures derive from annual salary data, this flexibility in hours may be appealing to those looking to balance work and personal commitments.
About the Apple Valley 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) | $21.63 | $173.02 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.45 | $203.57 |
| Median (P50) | $29.91 | $239.27 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36.04 | $288.31 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $38.92 | $311.35 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Apple Valley
Based on $29.91/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.91/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Apple Valley, CA can expect to earn approximately $62,211 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,891. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Apple Valley.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Apple Valley
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,196.37 | $5,184 | $62,211 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $717.82 | $3,111 | $37,327 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $478.55 | $2,074 | $24,884 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Apple Valley) | $29.91 |
| 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 Apple Valley, CA earn a median of $62,214 per year (2026 est.), which is 24.46% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 0.70% below the California state average of $62,653.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.91/hr = $37,327/year (purchasing power: $33,003).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $62,211/year (purchasing power: $55,006).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$21.13/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.35/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.91/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Apple Valley (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.13/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.70/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.05/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.88/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.17/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.09/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.35/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.91/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.55/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Apple Valley grew 34.1% from $21.13/hr (2019) to $28.35/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.55/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 Apple Valley 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 Apple Valley
When looking at the earning potential for part-time veterinary technologists and technicians, those working a 24-hour week could expect to bring home a respectable sum annually, though it will fall short compared to full-time salaries. Many per-diem professionals charge between $25 and $40 per hour, depending on their specialty and experience. Those with VTS credentials might command between $35 and $55 per hour, especially in high-demand scenarios like overnight emergency room shifts at understaffed facilities, which can pay $30 to $50 hourly. Across different employer types in Apple Valley, pay can vary significantly; general practice clinics often offer lower wages compared to corporate chain hospitals or specialty referral centers. Technicians may find themselves making a strategic choice between accepting lower hourly rates with benefits at some establishments or opting for higher pay without health insurance at others. For those considering negotiations, understanding the value of specialized credentials like VTS can provide leverage in discussions on hourly pay, enhancing potential earnings within the diverse landscape of veterinary roles in Apple Valley.
More salary data for Apple Valley, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Apple Valley in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Apple Valley?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Apple Valley paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Apple Valley?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Apple Valley?
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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 Apple Valley. 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 Apple Valley 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