Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Citrus Heights, CA: $29.97 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Citrus Heights, CA runs $29.97 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $62,354 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Citrus Heights's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $26.50 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,406 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Citrus Heights, the projected veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay for 2026 is $29.97, considerably higher than the national hourly median of $24.03. This elevated pay rate is advantageous for those pursuing part-time opportunities, such as working three days a week, which allows for a favorable income while maintaining a flexible schedule. Whether in general practice settings, specialty hospitals, or even academic environments like university teaching hospitals, hourly pay for entry-level positions starts at around $21.78, whereas experienced technicians can earn as much as $39.21 per hour. These estimates derive from annual salary projections, effectively reflecting the dynamic nature of the veterinary field in Citrus Heights, CA.
About the Citrus Heights 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) | $21.78 | $174.20 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.78 | $190.24 |
| Median (P50) | $29.97 | $239.78 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36.15 | $289.24 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $39.21 | $313.71 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Citrus Heights
Based on $29.97/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.97/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Citrus Heights, CA can expect to earn approximately $62,343 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,967. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Citrus Heights.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Citrus Heights
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,198.90 | $5,195 | $62,343 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $719.34 | $3,117 | $37,406 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $479.56 | $2,078 | $24,937 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Citrus Heights) | $29.97 |
| 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 Citrus Heights, CA earn a median of $62,354 per year (2026 est.), which is 24.74% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 0.40% below the California state average of $62,604.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.97/hr = $37,406/year (purchasing power: $33,073).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $62,343/year (purchasing power: $55,122).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$21.18/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.41/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.97/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Citrus Heights (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.18/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.74/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.10/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.93/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.23/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.15/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.41/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.97/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.62/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Citrus Heights grew 34.1% from $21.18/hr (2019) to $28.41/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.62/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 Citrus Heights 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 Citrus Heights
Looking at the earning potential for veterinary technologists and technicians in Citrus Heights reveals notable differences in income based on work arrangements. Those working part-time for 24 hours a week can gross significantly less annually compared to full-time employees, yet the flexibility often attracts many professionals. Per diem and agency technicians see varied compensation, frequently billing rates between $25 and $40 per hour, with specialized VTS-credentialed technicians commanding even higher rates, typically between $35 and $55 per hour. Institutions such as general practice clinics, corporate veterinary chains, and specialty hospitals showcase a spectrum of wages, showing a premium for advanced credentials. Some professionals may opt for positions that offer lower hourly wages but include benefits, while others might prefer higher hourly rates without the security of benefits. Negotiating hourly wages can be beneficial in Citrus Heights, especially when presenting specialized skills or a willingness to cover shifts during peak times; this proactive approach can significantly boost one’s overall income in this competitive job market.
More salary data for Citrus Heights, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Citrus Heights in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Citrus Heights?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Citrus Heights paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Citrus Heights?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Citrus Heights?
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 Citrus Heights. 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 Citrus Heights 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