Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Brentwood, CA: $30.04 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Brentwood, CA runs $30.04 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $62,468 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Brentwood's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $26.56 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,485 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Veterinary technologists and technicians in Brentwood, California, can expect a median hourly pay of $30.04, significantly higher than the national median of $24.03. This competitive rate is beneficial for part-time workers, such as those on a three-day workweek, allowing them to earn a robust income while maintaining a flexible schedule. In general practice treatment areas, specialty hospital ICUs, and various animal medical units, the hourly wage can vary significantly. Entry-level positions may start around $21.90, while experienced practitioners and those working in specialized fields can command rates as high as $41.30. Such figures reflect the value these professionals bring to their role and highlight a growing demand in Brentwood’s veterinary landscape.
About the Brentwood 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) | $21.90 | $175.21 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.90 | $191.17 |
| Median (P50) | $30.04 | $240.29 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36.28 | $290.25 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $41.30 | $330.43 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Brentwood
Based on $30.04/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.04/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Brentwood, CA can expect to earn approximately $62,475 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,043. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Brentwood.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Brentwood
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,201.43 | $5,206 | $62,475 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $720.86 | $3,124 | $37,485 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $480.57 | $2,082 | $24,990 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Brentwood) | $30.04 |
| 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 Brentwood, CA earn a median of $62,468 per year (2026 est.), which is 24.97% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 0.30% below the California state average of $62,656.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.04/hr = $37,485/year (purchasing power: $33,143).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $62,475/year (purchasing power: $55,238).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$21.22/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.47/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.04/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Brentwood (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.22/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.79/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.14/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.98/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.28/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.20/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.47/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.04/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.69/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Brentwood grew 34.1% from $21.22/hr (2019) to $28.47/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.69/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 Brentwood 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 Brentwood
For those considering part-time work, a veterinary technologist and technician committing to 24 hours per week could expect to take home about $37,745 annually. However, the per diem reality offers different earning potential, with common billing rates ranging from $25 to $40 per hour for general animal care duties, and $35 to $55 for veterinary technician specialists. Moreover, weekend and overnight shifts often pay elevated rates due to staffing shortages. In Brentwood, hourly rates can differ based on the type of employer; general practices may provide steadier hours and benefits, while specialty hospitals, research labs, and corporate chains might offer higher pay but vary in healthcare benefits. Those entering the field should be prepared to negotiate effectively, especially if weighing different options, such as higher hourly rates against comprehensive health insurance offered by certain employers.
More salary data for Brentwood, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Brentwood in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Brentwood?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Brentwood paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Brentwood?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Brentwood?
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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 Brentwood. 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 Brentwood 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