Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Davis, CA: $29.14 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Davis, CA runs $29.14 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $60,608 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Davis's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $25.76 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $36,366 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Veterinary technologists and technicians in Davis, California, earn a median hourly rate of $29.14, significantly above the national median of $24.03. This difference reflects the high demand for skilled professionals in the veterinary field, especially as the workforce dynamics shift with a growing shortage of qualified workers. For those looking at part-time positions, such as working three days a week, this hourly wage offers the potential for substantial income while balancing other commitments. The range for these positions spans from an entry-level hourly rate of $22.15 up to $38.23 for those with more experience or specialized skills. The variety of settings in which these technologists work—ranging from general veterinary practices and specialty hospitals to university clinics and research facilities—can also influence hourly pay significantly.
About the Davis 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) | $22.15 | $177.24 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.89 | $191.08 |
| Median (P50) | $29.14 | $233.11 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $35.91 | $287.30 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $38.23 | $305.87 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Davis
Based on $29.14/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.14/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Davis, CA can expect to earn approximately $60,609 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,967. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Davis.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Davis
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,165.56 | $5,051 | $60,609 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $699.34 | $3,030 | $36,366 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $466.23 | $2,020 | $24,244 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Davis) | $29.14 |
| 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 Davis, CA earn a median of $60,608 per year (2026 est.), which is 21.25% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 3.20% below the California state average of $62,611.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.14/hr = $36,366/year (purchasing power: $32,153).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $60,609/year (purchasing power: $53,589).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$20.59/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.62/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.14/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Davis (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.59/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.14/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $21.48/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.29/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.50/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $27.36/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.62/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.14/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.74/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Davis grew 34.1% from $20.59/hr (2019) to $27.62/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.74/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 Davis 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 Davis
When considering part-time opportunities, a technician working 24 hours a week at this median rate could earn around $36,000 annually, which may be appealing for those seeking work-life balance. For per-diem veterinary technologists and technicians, the dynamics vary even more, with hourly rates ranging from $25 to $40, depending on the skill set and demand in the market. Credentialed specialty technicians, such as those in surgery or emergency care, often command pay between $35 and $55 per hour. It's essential to note that employers, including corporate chains and specialty hospitals, can offer varying pay scales, often trading off higher rates for benefits like health insurance. For those negotiating their hourly rate in Davis, showcasing specialty qualifications and being open to shifts during peak hours can be advantageous in securing better pay.
More salary data for Davis, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Davis. 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 Davis 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