Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Corona, CA: $30.68 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Corona, CA runs $30.68 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $63,820 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Corona's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $27.13 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $38,288 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Corona, California, the median veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay is projected to be $30.68 in 2026, significantly higher than the national hourly median of $24.03. This advantageous rate reflects the increasing demand for skilled professionals in veterinary medicine, providing opportunities for both part-time and per-diem work. With an hourly range on a scale from $21.99 at the entry level to $43.03 for experienced professionals, those working in general practice clinics, specialty hospitals, or university settings can benefit from a flexible work schedule. Part-time employees working three days a week may find themselves able to comfortably support their living expenses while continuing to pursue their passion in various treatment areas, from emergency and critical care (ECC) to zoo medicine.
About the Corona 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) | $21.99 | $175.89 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.22 | $193.78 |
| Median (P50) | $30.68 | $245.44 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36.83 | $294.64 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $43.03 | $344.27 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Corona
Based on $30.68/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.68/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Corona, CA can expect to earn approximately $63,813 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,815. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Corona.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Corona
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,227.18 | $5,318 | $63,813 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $736.31 | $3,191 | $38,288 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $490.87 | $2,127 | $25,525 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Corona) | $30.68 |
| 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 Corona, CA earn a median of $63,820 per year (2026 est.), which is 27.68% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 1.90% above the California state average of $62,630.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.68/hr = $38,288/year (purchasing power: $33,853).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $63,813/year (purchasing power: $56,422).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$21.68/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.08/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.68/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Corona (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.68/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.25/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.62/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.47/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.85/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.81/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.08/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.68/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.37/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Corona grew 34.1% from $21.68/hr (2019) to $29.08/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.37/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 Corona 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 Corona
When considering the earning potential for part-time veterinary technologists and technicians, those working 24-hour weeks can still expect a solid take-home income that would equate to a respectable annual figure, albeit lower than full-time commitments. For per-diem positions, the pay can range widely, with typical rates for agency or locum tenens work falling between $25 and $40 per hour, while VTS-credentialed specialists may command $35 to $55. Weekend and overnight shifts in an understaffed emergency room might even yield $30 to $50 per hour. In Corona, compensation can also vary significantly depending on the type of employer; corporate chain hospitals may offer more predictable schedules but potentially lower hourly rates, whereas specialty hospitals might provide higher pay along with demanding hours. Negotiating for benefits versus higher hourly pay becomes crucial for professionals weighing their options; sometimes, those benefits—like health insurance—can be just as valuable as the hourly wage itself. Being aware of these factors can empower technicians to advocate for their worth in this competitive job market.
More salary data for Corona, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Corona in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Corona?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Corona paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Corona?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Corona?
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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 Corona. 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 Corona 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