Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Brea, CA: $28.57 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Brea, CA runs $28.57 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $59,417 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Brea's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $25.26 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,655 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Brea, California, the veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay is projected to be $28.57 in 2026, notably surpassing the national median of $24.03. This competitive wage not only highlights the city's commitment to valuing skilled professionals but also aligns with Brea's higher cost of living. For individuals working part-time, say three days a week, such a rate ensures that their earnings remain significant, offering ample financial support while allowing for a desirable work-life balance. The hourly range mirrors the experience level in the field, with entry-level positions starting at approximately $22.42, while seasoned professionals can earn up to $37.42 per hour, reflecting their expertise in various settings, including general practice treatment areas, specialty hospitals, and even pharmaceutical research facilities.
About the Brea 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) | $22.42 | $179.35 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.79 | $190.32 |
| Median (P50) | $28.57 | $228.56 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $34.71 | $277.68 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $37.42 | $299.37 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Brea
Based on $28.57/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.57/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Brea, CA can expect to earn approximately $59,424 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,283. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Brea.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Brea
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,142.78 | $4,952 | $59,424 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $685.67 | $2,971 | $35,655 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $457.11 | $1,981 | $23,770 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Brea) | $28.57 |
| 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 Brea, CA earn a median of $59,417 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.87% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 5.10% below the California state average of $62,610.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.57/hr = $35,655/year (purchasing power: $31,525).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $59,424/year (purchasing power: $52,541).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$20.19/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.08/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.57/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Brea (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.19/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $20.72/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $21.06/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $21.86/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.00/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $26.83/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.08/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.57/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.14/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Brea grew 34.1% from $20.19/hr (2019) to $27.08/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.14/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 Brea 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 Brea
Earnings potential can vary considerably based on work schedules and employer types in Brea. For instance, a part-time vet tech working 24 hours a week could realistically take home around $35,000 annually, far less than a full-time employee, yet still maintaining flexibility. Per diem veterinary technologist and technician pay in Brea typically ranges from $25 to $40 per hour, with those holding VTS certifications in specialties commanding between $35 and $55. Weekend or overnight coverage in under-resourced emergency clinics may yield even higher rates, attracting skilled professionals eager for supplemental income in a shortage market. Variations in pay are influenced not just by credentials but also by the type of practice, such as corporate vs. independent clinics or research laboratories. Furthermore, some professionals opt for positions that offer lower hourly wages in exchange for health benefits, which can be a significant consideration. Negotiation for hourly rates can be advantageous, especially for individuals aware of current market trends and equipped with relevant certifications, like those from NAVTA or AVMA CVTEA, as well as being mindful of the ongoing demand for vet techs in the region.
More salary data for Brea, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Brea in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Brea?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Brea paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Brea?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Brea?
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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 Brea. 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 Brea 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