Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Fontana, CA: $31.31 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Fontana, CA runs $31.31 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $65,125 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Fontana's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $27.69 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $39,078 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Fontana, California, the hourly pay for veterinary technologists and technicians is projected at $31.31 in 2026, significantly higher than the national hourly median of $24.03. This means that professionals working part-time, such as those in general practice clinics or specialty hospital ICU wards, can expect to earn around $23,875 for a typical 24-hour work week across three days. Per-diem opportunities in various settings, including university teaching hospitals and pharmaceutical research facilities, provide flexible earning options. The hourly range for these roles in Fontana spans from $21.82 for entry-level positions to $43.16 for top earners, offering a variety of income potential based on experience, credentials, and the specific employer type.
About the Fontana 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) | $21.82 | $174.54 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.38 | $195.05 |
| Median (P50) | $31.31 | $250.50 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $38.86 | $310.85 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $43.16 | $345.28 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Fontana
Based on $31.31/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.31/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Fontana, CA can expect to earn approximately $65,130 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $37,575. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Fontana.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Fontana
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,252.50 | $5,427 | $65,130 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $751.50 | $3,256 | $39,078 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $501.00 | $2,171 | $26,052 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Fontana) | $31.31 |
| 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 Fontana, CA earn a median of $65,125 per year (2026 est.), which is 30.29% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 4.00% above the California state average of $62,620.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.31/hr = $39,078/year (purchasing power: $34,552).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $65,130/year (purchasing power: $57,586).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$22.13/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.68/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.31/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Fontana (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.13/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.71/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.08/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.95/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.40/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $29.40/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.68/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.31/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $33.03/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Fontana grew 34.1% from $22.13/hr (2019) to $29.68/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $33.03/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 Fontana 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 Fontana
The earning potential for those in part-time roles can be quite favorable when compared to full-time employment. A veterinary technologist and technician working 24 hours a week could generate an annual income that aligns with a practical work-life balance, but benefits may be limited. For per-diem or agency work, pay rates fluctuate widely. Many vet techs charge between $25 and $40 per hour, while those with VTS credentials often command $35 to $55 per hour, especially for emergency cases or specialty coverage. Employers, like corporate hospitals or wildlife rehabilitation centers, may offer different pay structures, where general practice jobs tend to pay less than specialty facilities. Consequently, some technicians opt for positions with lower hourly wages in exchange for benefits such as health insurance. When negotiating pay in Fontana, it’s advisable for hourly workers to emphasize their skills and any specialty credentials to secure a competitive rate while also understanding the trade-offs associated with employee benefits.
More salary data for Fontana, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Fontana in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Fontana?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Fontana paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Fontana?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Fontana?
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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 Fontana. 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 Fontana 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