Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Buena Park, CA: $30.49 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Buena Park, CA runs $30.49 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $63,419 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Buena Park's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $26.96 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $38,051 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Buena Park, California, veterinary technologists and technicians can expect a median hourly pay of $30.49, significantly higher than the national median hourly rate of $24.03. This difference underscores the competitive compensation climate in the region, reflective of the acute workforce shortage in the veterinary field. For part-time or per-diem workers who might typically work three days a week, this translates into a robust income potential, particularly in diverse environments such as general practice treatment areas, specialty hospitals, university clinics, and research facilities. The hourly pay for this profession ranges from $22.99 for entry-level roles to as much as $39.83 for those at the top end of the scale, illustrating the earning potential as professionals gain experience and credentials.
About the Buena Park 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) | $22.99 | $183.91 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.81 | $198.51 |
| Median (P50) | $30.49 | $243.92 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36.74 | $293.88 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $39.83 | $318.61 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Buena Park
Based on $30.49/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.49/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Buena Park, CA can expect to earn approximately $63,418 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,587. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Buena Park.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Buena Park
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,219.58 | $5,285 | $63,418 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $731.75 | $3,171 | $38,051 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $487.83 | $2,114 | $25,367 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Buena Park) | $30.49 |
| 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 Buena Park, CA earn a median of $63,419 per year (2026 est.), which is 26.87% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 1.30% above the California state average of $62,605.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.49/hr = $38,051/year (purchasing power: $33,644).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $63,418/year (purchasing power: $56,073).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$21.54/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.90/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.49/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Buena Park (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.54/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.12/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.48/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.32/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.68/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.63/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.90/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.49/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.17/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Buena Park grew 34.1% from $21.54/hr (2019) to $28.90/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.17/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 Buena Park 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 Buena Park
When assessing the earning potential for a veterinary technologist and technician working part-time versus full-time, a 3-day workweek equates to a considerable annual income in Buena Park. Specifically, part-time workers may bring home a stable income while benefitting from flexible schedules, but their earnings will be less than full-time counterparts who work 40 hours a week. On the per-diem side, rates tend to vary, with most vet techs billing between $25 and $40 hourly, while specialized VTS-credentialed technicians can command even higher rates, from $35 to $55. Facilities like corporate chain hospitals or specialty referral institutions often offer competitive pay, particularly during weekends or overnight shifts where the pay can increase to $30-$50 per hour in shortage markets. This dynamic creates a situation where some veterinary technologists and technicians may choose roles offering lower pay but comprehensive benefits, while others may pursue higher pay without benefits for their personal situation. Ultimately, for those working hourly in Buena Park, effective negotiation around rates and benefits can significantly influence overall satisfaction and financial stability in a challenging yet rewarding field.
More salary data for Buena Park, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Buena Park in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Buena Park?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Buena Park paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Buena Park?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Buena Park?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in California
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 Buena Park. 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 Buena Park 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