Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Carson, CA: $29.51 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Carson, CA runs $29.51 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $61,376 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Carson's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $26.09 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $36,826 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Carson, California, veterinary technologists and technicians earn a median hourly pay of $29.51, significantly higher than the national median of $24.03. This pay reflects a robust demand for veterinary professionals in various settings, including general practice, specialty hospitals, and research facilities. For part-time workers who may be employed three days a week, at approximately 24 hours, this translates into a solid income that can help support living costs in a city with a cost of living index of 113.1. Additionally, hourly pay can range from $23.05 for entry-level positions up to $40.62 for experienced technicians in critical roles. As the veterinary field continues to grow, these figures highlight both the competitive pay landscape in Carson and the opportunities available for those entering or advancing in this crucial profession.
About the Carson 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) | $23.05 | $184.41 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.62 | $196.99 |
| Median (P50) | $29.51 | $236.07 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $35.03 | $280.21 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $40.62 | $324.94 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Carson
Based on $29.51/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.51/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Carson, CA can expect to earn approximately $61,377 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,410. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Carson.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Carson
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,180.33 | $5,115 | $61,377 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $708.20 | $3,069 | $36,826 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $472.13 | $2,046 | $24,551 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Carson) | $29.51 |
| 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 Carson, CA earn a median of $61,376 per year (2026 est.), which is 22.79% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 2.00% below the California state average of $62,628.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.51/hr = $36,826/year (purchasing power: $32,561).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $61,377/year (purchasing power: $54,268).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$20.85/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.97/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.51/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Carson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.85/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.41/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $21.75/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.57/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.82/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $27.71/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.97/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.51/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.13/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Carson grew 34.1% from $20.85/hr (2019) to $27.97/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.13/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 Carson 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 Carson
Part-time veterinary technologists and technicians in Carson can expect to take home a considerable annual income by working three days a week, averaging about $45,000, which presents a viable alternative to the full-time schedule. Per-diem workers in this field often command between $25 to $40 per hour, with Veterinary Technician Specialists (VTS) earning even more, ranging from $35 to $55 per hour. This trend is particularly pronounced during weekends or overnight shifts at busy emergency clinics where urgent coverage is needed, which can yield $30 to $50 per hour. Employment settings greatly influence hourly wages; while general practice clinics may offer lower rates, corporate chains and specialty hospitals tend to provide better compensation. Many technicians may choose slightly reduced hourly rates in exchange for benefits such as health insurance, so it's essential for workers to assess their priorities. When negotiating pay, understanding the local market and the specific advantages offered by various employers in Carson can empower veterinary technologists and technicians to secure the compensation reflective of their skills and market demand.
More salary data for Carson, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Carson in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Carson?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Carson paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Carson?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Carson?
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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 Carson. 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 Carson 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