Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Chula Vista, CA: $30.61 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Chula Vista, CA runs $30.61 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $63,669 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Chula Vista's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $27.06 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $38,196 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Veterinary technologists and technicians in Chula Vista, California, can expect a median hourly pay of $30.61, significantly higher than the national median of $24.03. This hourly rate facilitates attractive opportunities for part-time workers or those engaging in per-diem roles across various settings including veterinary clinics, specialty hospitals, and zoos. The hourly range stretches from $20.85 at the entry-level to $41.75 for the top earners, offering diverse earning possibilities for those in the profession. The projected figures for 2026 reflect an adjustment based on annual salary data and the ongoing demand for skilled veterinary support in a region experiencing a workforce shortage.
About the Chula Vista 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) | $20.85 | $166.77 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.33 | $202.64 |
| Median (P50) | $30.61 | $244.84 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37.65 | $301.22 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $41.75 | $333.97 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Chula Vista
Based on $30.61/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.61/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Chula Vista, CA can expect to earn approximately $63,660 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,727. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Chula Vista.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Chula Vista
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,224.22 | $5,305 | $63,660 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $734.53 | $3,183 | $38,196 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $489.69 | $2,122 | $25,464 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Chula Vista) | $30.61 |
| 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 Chula Vista, CA earn a median of $63,669 per year (2026 est.), which is 27.37% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 1.70% above the California state average of $62,605.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.61/hr = $38,196/year (purchasing power: $33,772).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $63,660/year (purchasing power: $56,286).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$21.63/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.01/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.61/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Chula Vista (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.63/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.20/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.56/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.41/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.78/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $29.16/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.01/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.61/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.29/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Chula Vista grew 34.1% from $21.63/hr (2019) to $29.01/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.29/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 Chula Vista 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 Chula Vista
For part-time veterinary technologists and technicians working three days a week, the potential annual earnings may yield a stable income, yet it remains less than that of full-time counterparts. Per diem veterinary technologist and technician pay in Chula Vista ranges from $25 to $40 per hour, depending on the work environment and specific skill set. Credentialed veterinary specialty technicians can command even higher rates between $35 to $55 per hour, especially during high-demand shifts such as weekends or overnight emergencies, where coverage is critical. However, positions at corporate chain hospitals or educational institutions may offer less hourly pay but provide health benefits that are appealing to some professionals. Negotiations for better compensation can hinge not only on hourly rates but also on the scope of benefits provided, especially in a marketplace increasingly influenced by corporate pay scales. Understanding the intricacies of the local job market can help veterinary technicians advocate for their worth effectively in Chula Vista.
More salary data for Chula Vista, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Chula Vista in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Chula Vista?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Chula Vista paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Chula Vista?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Chula Vista?
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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 Chula Vista. 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 Chula Vista 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