Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Chico, CA: $30.08 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Chico, CA runs $30.08 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $62,561 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Chico's regional price level (BEA RPP 101.2, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $29.72 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,537 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Chico, California, the projected veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay stands at $30.08, significantly above the national average of $24.03. This higher wage reflects not only the demand for skilled professionals in veterinary care but also the cost of living in the region. For those working part-time, say three days a week, this translates to a monthly income that allows for a stable lifestyle, particularly in settings ranging from general practice clinics to specialty hospitals. Entry-level technicians earn in the lower range of approximately $24.48 per hour, while highly experienced professionals can reach earnings of up to $36.53 per hour. With around 70 veterinary technologists and technicians currently employed in the area, the hourly compensation is consistent with national trends and applies broadly across various veterinary settings, including teaching hospitals and zoo facilities.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $24.48 | $195.81 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $27.03 | $216.23 |
| Median (P50) | $30.08 | $240.62 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $30.11 | $240.88 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $36.53 | $292.28 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Chico
Based on $30.08/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.08/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Chico, CA can expect to earn approximately $62,562 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,094. With a cost-of-living index of 101.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Chico.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Chico
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,203.12 | $5,214 | $62,562 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $721.87 | $3,128 | $37,537 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $481.25 | $2,085 | $25,025 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Chico) | $30.08 |
| 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 Chico, CA earn a median of $62,561 per year (2026 est.), which is 25.16% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 0.10% below the California state average of $62,624.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.08/hr = $37,537/year (purchasing power: $37,093).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $62,562/year (purchasing power: $61,822).
CoL index: 101.197 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$17.09/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.51/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.08/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+85.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Chico (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.09/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $19.24/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $20.86/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.77/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.10/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $27.69/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.51/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.08/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.73/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Chico grew 66.8% from $17.09/hr (2019) to $28.51/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.73/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 Chico 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 Chico
When considering part-time opportunities in Chico, veterinary technologists and technicians who manage to secure a schedule of three days a week—totaling approximately 24 hours—can expect to take home around $37,967 annually, significantly less than full-time counterparts yet still viable in a supportive work environment. Additionally, per diem veterinary technologist and technician pay in the area can vary, with common billing rates ranging from $25 to $40 per hour, while specialty technicians with VTS credentials can charge between $35 and $55 per hour, especially for weekend or overnight emergency shifts, making it an appealing option for those seeking flexibility. Both corporate and private practices differ in compensation structures, as corporate chains may offer lower hourly rates but provide benefits that are crucial for some workers. Consequently, many positions in Chico require negotiation of hourly rates, with those in dire need for veterinary staff often offering higher pay to attract qualified candidates, especially in areas heavily affected by the ongoing vet tech workforce shortage.
More salary data for Chico, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Chico in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Chico?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Chico paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Chico?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Chico?
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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 Chico. 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