Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Bakersfield, CA: $28.26 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Bakersfield, CA runs $28.26 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $58,795 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Bakersfield's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.9, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $28.02 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,273 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Bakersfield, the hourly pay for veterinary technologists and technicians is projected to be $28.26 in 2026, which significantly exceeds the national median of $24.03. This favorable wage means that professionals working part-time, such as those on a three-day-a-week schedule, can expect to earn a competitive income while maintaining flexibility in their work-life balance. Per-diem workers, common in practice areas like specialty hospitals or university clinics, often command rates within the broader range of $21.03 to $31.12 depending on experience and specific job functions, allowing for earning potential that varies widely from entry-level to seasoned technicians. This official data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics illustrates a promising compensation framework for veterinary technologists and technicians in the Bakersfield area.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $21.03 | $168.21 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.44 | $195.55 |
| Median (P50) | $28.26 | $226.11 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $29.94 | $239.53 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $31.12 | $248.98 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Bakersfield
Based on $28.26/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.26/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Bakersfield, CA can expect to earn approximately $58,788 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $33,916. With a cost-of-living index of 100.89 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Bakersfield.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Bakersfield
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,130.54 | $4,899 | $58,788 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $678.32 | $2,939 | $35,273 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $452.22 | $1,960 | $23,515 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Bakersfield) | $28.26 |
| 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 Bakersfield, CA earn a median of $58,795 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.62% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 6.10% below the California state average of $62,615.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.26/hr = $35,273/year (purchasing power: $34,963).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $58,788/year (purchasing power: $58,272).
CoL index: 100.886 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$15.24/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$26.79/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.26/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+95.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Bakersfield (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $15.24/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.75/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.90/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.36/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.75/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.32/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $26.79/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.26/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.82/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Bakersfield grew 75.8% from $15.24/hr (2019) to $26.79/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.82/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 Bakersfield 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 Bakersfield
When considering part-time employment, a veterinary technologist or technician working approximately 24 hours weekly could take home a substantial sum compared to those in full-time positions, with earnings reflecting both flexibility and responsibility. Per-diem roles further diversify income opportunities, where compensation can reach anywhere from $25 to as high as $55 per hour, especially for VTS-credentialed specialists or those filling urgent weekend and overnight shifts. In Bakersfield, hourly rates can fluctuate based on the employer type; for instance, corporate chain hospitals may offer different pay scales compared to specialty referral hospitals or research laboratories. While some professionals may choose lower hourly rates for the sake of benefits like health insurance, others might negotiate for higher pay when opting for positions with fewer perks. Workers should familiarize themselves with their market and the compensation trends in their field to enhance their negotiating power and ensure they receive fair compensation reflective of their qualifications and contributions in the veterinary profession.
More salary data for Bakersfield, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Bakersfield in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Bakersfield?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Bakersfield paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Bakersfield?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Bakersfield?
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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 Bakersfield. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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