Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Garden Grove, CA: $30.78 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Garden Grove, CA runs $30.78 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $64,043 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Garden Grove's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $27.22 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $38,420 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the median hourly pay for veterinary technologists and technicians in Garden Grove is projected to be $30.78, significantly higher than the national median of $24.03. This premium hourly rate reflects the growing demand for skilled professionals in the veterinary field, particularly in diverse settings such as general practice clinics, specialty hospitals, and research facilities. For those considering part-time roles, working three days a week (approximately 24 hours) could yield a robust income, allowing flexibility while still capitalizing on a competitive pay scale. Entry-level positions may start around $22.13, but more experienced and certified technicians, especially in specialty roles, can see their hourly rates reach up to $41.51, creating a wide range of earning potential based on experience and credentials.
About the Garden 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) | $22.13 | $177.07 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.43 | $195.47 |
| Median (P50) | $30.78 | $246.28 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37.76 | $302.07 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $41.51 | $332.11 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Garden Grove
Based on $30.78/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.78/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Garden Grove, CA can expect to earn approximately $64,033 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,942. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Garden Grove.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Garden Grove
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,231.40 | $5,336 | $64,033 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $738.84 | $3,202 | $38,420 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $492.56 | $2,134 | $25,613 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Garden Grove) | $30.78 |
| 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 Garden Grove, CA earn a median of $64,043 per year (2026 est.), which is 28.12% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 2.30% above the California state average of $62,603.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.78/hr = $38,420/year (purchasing power: $33,970).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $64,033/year (purchasing power: $56,616).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$21.75/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.18/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.78/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Garden Grove (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.75/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.33/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.69/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.55/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.94/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.92/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.18/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.78/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.48/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Garden Grove grew 34.1% from $21.75/hr (2019) to $29.18/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.48/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 Garden 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 Garden Grove
The potential earnings for part-time veterinary technologists and technicians can vary. A 24-hour workweek at the median rate translates to roughly $38,000 annually, which is a respectable income, but could fall short compared to full-time salaries. Per diem veterinary technologist and technician pay in Garden Grove often ranges from $25 to $40 an hour. Those with additional VTS credentials can command rates of $35 to $55 per hour, particularly in specialty areas such as emergency and critical care or advanced surgical practices. Additionally, shifts at understaffed emergency clinics may provide higher compensation, especially for weekend or overnight coverage. Various employment settings can influence pay; for instance, corporate veterinary chains may offer lower hourly rates compared to specialty hospitals. To negotiate effectively, understanding the local market and desired benefits, like health insurance, can empower technicians to make informed decisions.
More salary data for Garden Grove, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Garden Grove in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Garden Grove?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Garden Grove paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Garden Grove?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Garden 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 Garden 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 Garden 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