Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in El Monte, CA: $30.89 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in El Monte, CA runs $30.89 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $64,256 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against El Monte's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $27.31 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $38,551 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In El Monte, California, the hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician is set at a median of $30.89, significantly surpassing the national median of $24.03. This higher rate in El Monte reflects the city's unique economic conditions and demand for skilled professionals in animal care. For part-time workers, such as those employed three days a week, this equates to approximately $1,850 per month before taxes, allowing for a modest but steady income. Per-diem roles offer flexibility but can vary widely; while entry-level positions may start around $22.49 per hour, experienced technicians can command rates as high as $41.86. The hourly rates here are derived from projected annual figures, showing a broad spectrum from $46,790 at the lower end to $87,067 for top earners, which underscores the potential for growth within the profession in various environments, including general practice and specialty facilities.
About the El Monte 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) | $22.49 | $179.94 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.64 | $197.16 |
| Median (P50) | $30.89 | $247.12 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $38.00 | $304.01 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $41.86 | $334.90 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in El Monte
Based on $30.89/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.89/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in El Monte, CA can expect to earn approximately $64,252 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $37,068. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in El Monte.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in El Monte
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,235.62 | $5,354 | $64,252 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $741.37 | $3,213 | $38,551 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $494.25 | $2,142 | $25,701 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (El Monte) | $30.89 |
| 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 El Monte, CA earn a median of $64,256 per year (2026 est.), which is 28.55% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 2.60% above the California state average of $62,628.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.89/hr = $38,551/year (purchasing power: $34,086).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $64,252/year (purchasing power: $56,810).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$21.83/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.28/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.89/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in El Monte (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.83/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.41/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.77/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.63/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.03/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $29.01/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.28/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.89/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.59/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in El Monte grew 34.1% from $21.83/hr (2019) to $29.28/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.59/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 El Monte 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 El Monte
Considering the part-time earning potential, a veterinary technologist or technician working three days a week, logging around 24 hours, would typically see an annual take-home pay considerably less than their full-time counterparts but still holding substantial value. For example, engaging in per-diem work can result in variation; many per diem veterinary technologists and technicians in El Monte are likely to see pay between $25 to $40 per hour, reflecting the demand for flexible staffing solutions. Those with Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) credentials have opportunities to earn even higher rates, ranging from $35-$55 per hour in specialty units. Unsurprisingly, hourly rates also fluctuate depending on the type of employer, with corporate chain hospitals often offering different pay scales compared to local clinics or research labs. Many technicians trade lower hourly wages for the security of benefits, like healthcare and paid time off, which can be a significant factor to weigh during job negotiations. For those hoping to optimize their pay in El Monte, it is advisable to research employer types and actively engage in discussions about compensation packages that match their experience and credential level.
More salary data for El Monte, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in El Monte in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in El Monte?
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How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in El Monte?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in El Monte?
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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 El Monte. 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 El Monte 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