Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Elk Grove, CA: $30.56 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Elk Grove, CA runs $30.56 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $63,577 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Elk Grove's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $27.02 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $38,143 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Elk Grove, veterinary technologists and technicians can expect to earn a competitive hourly median of $30.56, significantly higher than the national median of $24.03. This robust pay scale is indicative of the region's emphasis on quality animal care, allowing those in the field to be financially rewarded for their expertise. For part-time workers, such as those engaged in less than full-time schedules or per-diem roles, this hourly rate translates into a pay structure that accommodates various work-life balance considerations. With hourly earnings ranging from $21.71 for entry-level positions to $40.67 for top earners, professionals in Elk Grove find themselves in a favorable position within various settings, including general practice treatment areas, specialty hospitals, and zoos. These figures are derived from annual salary data estimates, which highlight the region's demand for skilled veterinary support staff and the specialized care they provide.
About the Elk Grove 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) | $21.71 | $173.70 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.99 | $191.93 |
| Median (P50) | $30.56 | $244.51 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37.23 | $297.85 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $40.67 | $325.36 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Elk Grove
Based on $30.56/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.56/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Elk Grove, CA can expect to earn approximately $63,572 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,676. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Elk Grove.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Elk Grove
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,222.53 | $5,298 | $63,572 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $733.52 | $3,179 | $38,143 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $489.01 | $2,119 | $25,429 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Elk Grove) | $30.56 |
| 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 Elk Grove, CA earn a median of $63,577 per year (2026 est.), which is 27.19% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 1.50% above the California state average of $62,638.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.56/hr = $38,143/year (purchasing power: $33,725).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $63,572/year (purchasing power: $56,208).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$21.60/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.97/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.56/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Elk Grove (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.60/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.17/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.53/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.38/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.74/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.71/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.97/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.56/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.24/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Elk Grove grew 34.1% from $21.60/hr (2019) to $28.97/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.24/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 Elk Grove 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 Elk Grove
For those considering part-time positions, working three days a week could yield a take-home pay that varies widely compared to full-time roles. In Elk Grove, part-time veterinary technologists and technicians might earn significantly less annually than their full-time counterparts, potentially leading to trade-offs regarding benefits and hourly rates. Per-diem work, common in this profession, allows for flexible scheduling but can result in fluctuating earnings; rates typically range from $25 to $40/hr for general duties. Specialty roles, such as those requiring VTS credentialing, can command up to $55/hr. Moreover, hourly pay can differ based on employer types—general practice clinics, corporate chains, or specialty hospitals—all of which may offer differing benefits packages. Negotiating pay effectively is crucial here; those accepting lower rates might prioritize advantages like health insurance, while hourly workers aiming for higher pay should consider potential benefit loss. Understanding this balance is essential for both current veterinary technologists and those entering the field in Elk Grove, CA.
More salary data for Elk Grove, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Elk Grove in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Elk Grove?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Elk Grove paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Elk Grove?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Elk Grove?
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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 Elk Grove. 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 Elk Grove 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