Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Fresno, CA: $29.46 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Fresno, CA runs $29.46 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $61,274 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Fresno's regional price level (BEA RPP 102.2, 2% above national), each hour of work buys what $28.83 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $36,761 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
Veterinary technologists and technicians in Fresno, California, earn a median hourly pay of $29.46, significantly higher than the national hourly median of $24.03. This robust hourly rate is advantageous for those who may work part-time or per-diem roles within various settings, including general practice clinics, specialty hospitals, and academic facilities. For example, working only three days a week, a veterinary technologist could expect to take home a stable income even while maintaining flexibility. Entry-level positions typically start at around $23.15 per hour, while experienced professionals can command up to $36.66 per hour, reflecting a growing demand for skilled workers in this field as veterinarians face increasing workloads across California.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $23.15 | $185.17 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.44 | $195.55 |
| Median (P50) | $29.46 | $235.64 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $30.81 | $246.45 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $36.66 | $293.29 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Fresno
Based on $29.46/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.46/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Fresno, CA can expect to earn approximately $61,268 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,347. With a cost-of-living index of 102.16 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Fresno.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Fresno
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,178.22 | $5,106 | $61,268 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $706.93 | $3,063 | $36,761 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $471.29 | $2,042 | $24,507 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Fresno) | $29.46 |
| 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 Fresno, CA earn a median of $61,274 per year (2026 est.), which is 22.58% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 2.20% below the California state average of $62,653.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.46/hr = $36,761/year (purchasing power: $35,984).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $61,268/year (purchasing power: $59,973).
CoL index: 102.158 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$17.25/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.92/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.46/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+80.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Fresno (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.25/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.18/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.37/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $20.98/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.56/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $22.93/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.92/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.46/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.08/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Fresno grew 61.9% from $17.25/hr (2019) to $27.92/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.08/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 Fresno 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 Fresno
Part-time workers in the veterinary field can find that their annual income varies significantly based on their employment status and specialty. For instance, a veterinary technologist working part-time (24 hours a week) could expect to earn about $46,000 annually, which is modest compared to full-time workers. Per-diem veterinary technologist and technician pay in Fresno can range widely, with many professionals billing between $25 and $40 per hour. Those with specialty training may find even greater earning potential, reaching $35 to $55 per hour. Workplace settings, such as corporate veterinary clinics and specialty referral hospitals, can affect pay rates, as these facilities often offer higher compensation but may demand different skill sets. Additionally, while some may opt for positions that come with benefits—accepting a lower hourly rate—others might prioritize higher pay without health insurance, particularly in a market facing a workforce shortage like veterinary medicine. Negotiation for hourly wages can be intricate; understanding the specific pay scales and utilizing local job market trends can help veterinary technologists negotiate effectively.
More salary data for Fresno, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Fresno in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Fresno?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Fresno paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Fresno?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Fresno?
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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 Fresno. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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