Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Fullerton, CA: $30.93 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Fullerton, CA runs $30.93 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $64,332 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Fullerton's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $27.35 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $38,604 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Fullerton, California, veterinary technologists and technicians can expect a median hourly rate of $30.93, significantly higher than the national median of $24.03. This competitive pay highlights the growing demand for professionals in this field, particularly as veterinary clinics and specialty hospitals seek to attract qualified talent. For part-time workers, such as those operating on a three-day workweek, this rate translates to a meaningful income that accommodates a flexible work-life balance. Entry-level technicians may start at around $22.46 per hour, while those with specialized skills or extensive experience can earn as much as $41.99, reflecting a robust pay range that aligns with roles in various environments, from general veterinary practices to specialty hospitals and research facilities.
About the Fullerton 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) | $22.46 | $179.69 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.71 | $197.66 |
| Median (P50) | $30.93 | $247.46 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $38.10 | $304.77 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $41.99 | $335.91 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Fullerton
Based on $30.93/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.93/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Fullerton, CA can expect to earn approximately $64,340 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $37,119. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Fullerton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Fullerton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,237.30 | $5,362 | $64,340 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $742.38 | $3,217 | $38,604 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $494.92 | $2,145 | $25,736 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Fullerton) | $30.93 |
| 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 Fullerton, CA earn a median of $64,332 per year (2026 est.), which is 28.70% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 2.70% above the California state average of $62,640.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.93/hr = $38,604/year (purchasing power: $34,133).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $64,340/year (purchasing power: $56,888).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$21.86/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.32/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.93/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Fullerton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.86/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.44/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.80/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.66/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.07/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $29.05/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.32/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.93/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.63/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Fullerton grew 34.1% from $21.86/hr (2019) to $29.32/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.63/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 Fullerton 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 Fullerton
Exploring the earning potential for part-time veterinary technologists and technicians reveals a stark contrast to full-time annual incomes. For instance, working three days a week at 24 hours would yield a substantial sum that may provide financial stability, particularly in Fullerton's cost of living context. Per diem veterinary technologist and technician pay in Fullerton varies widely, with rates commonly ringing in between $25 and $40 hourly. Those with Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) credentials can command between $35 and $55 per hour, especially in high-demand markets like overnight emergency coverage, where hourly rates can spike to $30-$50. The range of employers in the area, from corporate chains like VCA to university teaching hospitals, significantly influences pay rates. While some may be willing to accept lower hourly wages for benefits like health insurance, others might prioritize higher pay without additional perks. As you engage with potential employers, it's beneficial to negotiate effectively, knowing your value in a market where qualified veterinary staff are increasingly sought after.
More salary data for Fullerton, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Fullerton in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Fullerton?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Fullerton paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Fullerton?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Fullerton?
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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 Fullerton. 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 Fullerton 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