Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Downey, CA: $30.49 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Downey, CA runs $30.49 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $63,411 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Downey's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $26.96 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $38,051 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Downey, California, veterinary technologists and technicians can expect a median hourly pay of $30.49, significantly higher than the national average of $24.03 per hour. This competitive rate reflects the growing demand for professionals who provide essential care in various settings, including general practice clinics, specialty hospitals, and animal medical units at zoos and aquariums. For part-time workers, particularly those who only engage in shifts three days a week, this hourly rate translates into meaningful compensation for their expertise. With an hourly range from $21.44 at the entry-level to $42.45 for seasoned experts, this profession offers a solid pathway for individuals looking to make a commendable income while pursuing their passion for animal care.
About the Downey 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) | $21.44 | $171.50 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.98 | $199.86 |
| Median (P50) | $30.49 | $243.92 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $38.19 | $305.53 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $42.45 | $339.63 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Downey
Based on $30.49/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.49/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Downey, CA can expect to earn approximately $63,418 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,587. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Downey.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Downey
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,219.58 | $5,285 | $63,418 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $731.75 | $3,171 | $38,051 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $487.83 | $2,114 | $25,367 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Downey) | $30.49 |
| 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 Downey, CA earn a median of $63,411 per year (2026 est.), which is 26.86% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 1.30% above the California state average of $62,597.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.49/hr = $38,051/year (purchasing power: $33,644).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $63,418/year (purchasing power: $56,073).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$21.54/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.90/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.49/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Downey (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.54/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.12/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.48/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.32/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.68/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.63/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.90/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.49/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.17/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Downey grew 34.1% from $21.54/hr (2019) to $28.90/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.17/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 Downey 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 Downey
The earning potential for veterinary technologists and technicians working part-time in Downey can yield a substantial income compared to full-time roles. Those putting in 24 hours weekly may find themselves clearing around $38,000 annually, a figure that provides a realistic standard of living in the area. The per-diem or locum tenens positions, often available in veterinary practices, can further enhance income opportunities; hourly rates generally range from $25-$40, with specialty-focused technicians able to command $35-$55. Hospitals often offer higher pay for weekend or overnight shifts due to staffing shortages. However, the type of employer can significantly influence these wages, as corporate veterinary chains might provide broader benefits at a slightly lower pay scale compared to specialty or research facilities. As many veterinary professionals evaluate offers, understanding the balance between hourly wages and available benefits is crucial for making informed decisions.
More salary data for Downey, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Downey in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Downey?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Downey paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Downey?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Downey?
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 Downey. 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 Downey 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