Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Fairfield, CA: $31.04 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Fairfield, CA runs $31.04 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $64,569 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Fairfield's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $27.44 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $38,736 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Veterinary technologists and technicians in Fairfield, California, can expect a robust median hourly pay of $31.04, significantly exceeding the national median of $24.03. This elevated hourly rate provides a substantial advantage for part-time workers, who typically might work three days a week, translating to steady income streams and potential benefits from employers in various settings, including general practice clinics, specialty hospitals, and educational facilities. Entry-level wages start at approximately $22.82, while seasoned professionals can earn as much as $41.14 per hour, depending on experience and specific roles within the veterinary field. It's crucial to note that these hourly estimates are derived from projected annual salary figures, reflecting the upward trends in compensation for this essential healthcare profession.
About the Fairfield 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) | $22.82 | $182.56 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.94 | $199.52 |
| Median (P50) | $31.04 | $248.30 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37.72 | $301.73 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $41.14 | $329.16 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Fairfield
Based on $31.04/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.04/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Fairfield, CA can expect to earn approximately $64,559 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $37,246. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Fairfield.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Fairfield
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,241.52 | $5,380 | $64,559 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $744.91 | $3,228 | $38,736 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $496.61 | $2,152 | $25,824 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Fairfield) | $31.04 |
| 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 Fairfield, CA earn a median of $64,569 per year (2026 est.), which is 29.17% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 3.10% above the California state average of $62,628.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.04/hr = $38,736/year (purchasing power: $34,249).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $64,559/year (purchasing power: $57,082).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$21.93/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.42/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.04/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Fairfield (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.93/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.52/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.88/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.74/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.16/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $29.15/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.42/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.04/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.75/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Fairfield grew 34.1% from $21.93/hr (2019) to $29.42/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.75/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 Fairfield 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 Fairfield
Considering the earning potential for different employment structures, a part-time veterinary technologist and technician working 24 hours a week could take home a competitive income, although still considerably less than full-time counterparts. The reality for per-diem work highlights variability, with rates from $25 to $40 per hour for general tasks, while highly specialized technicians can command $35 to $55 per hour in VTS roles, particularly in high-demand areas like emergency and critical care. Additionally, there are differences in compensation across employer types in Fairfield, with general practices often offering less than specialty facilities or corporate chains. This variance can lead some professionals to opt for lower hourly wages in exchange for benefits like health insurance. For those negotiating pay, especially in a market with a noted technician shortage, articulating specific skills and specialization can yield more favorable outcomes.
More salary data for Fairfield, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Fairfield in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Fairfield?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Fairfield paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Fairfield?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Fairfield?
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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 Fairfield. 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 Fairfield 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