Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Gilroy, CA: $30.12 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Gilroy, CA runs $30.12 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $62,651 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Gilroy's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $26.63 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,590 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Gilroy, California, the veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay stands at a competitive $30.12, which is significantly higher than the national median hourly rate of $24.03. This favorable rate reflects the current demand for veterinary professionals in the region, especially given the diverse employment settings like general practice clinics, specialty hospitals, university teaching hospitals, and even zoos and research facilities. For veterinary technologists and technicians working part-time—say three days a week—this hourly rate allows for a robust income, with earnings projected to vary from $22.11 for entry-level positions to $41.61 for those at the top of their field. These figures are derived from estimated annual salary data, underscoring the potential for lucrative per-diem work in the field, which remains a vital aspect of many veterinary practices.
About the Gilroy 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) | $22.11 | $176.90 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.06 | $192.52 |
| Median (P50) | $30.12 | $240.96 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $35.84 | $286.71 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $41.61 | $332.87 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Gilroy
Based on $30.12/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.12/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Gilroy, CA can expect to earn approximately $62,650 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,144. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Gilroy.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Gilroy
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,204.81 | $5,221 | $62,650 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $722.89 | $3,133 | $37,590 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $481.92 | $2,088 | $25,060 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Gilroy) | $30.12 |
| 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 Gilroy, CA earn a median of $62,651 per year (2026 est.), which is 25.34% higher than the national median of $49,986.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.12/hr = $37,590/year (purchasing power: $33,236).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $62,650/year (purchasing power: $55,394).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$21.28/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.55/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.12/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Gilroy (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.28/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.85/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.20/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.04/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.36/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.29/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.55/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.12/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.78/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Gilroy grew 34.1% from $21.28/hr (2019) to $28.55/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.78/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 Gilroy 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 Gilroy
When considering annual earnings, part-time veterinary technologists and technicians working a 24-hour week would realize substantial income even in a less-than-full-time capacity. Their take-home pay can be appealing, as per-diem roles often allow professionals to earn wages ranging from $25 to $55 per hour, particularly for specialized positions or during high-need hours. Many veterinary technologists may gravitate towards corporate chains or specialized practices, where pay structures can differ greatly from general practice settings. This variance impacts their overall compensation, with those in emergency care or specialized clinics often commanding higher rates. However, some may choose positions with lower hourly rates that offer substantial benefits like health insurance, highlighting the trade-offs in the profession. Negotiating pay in Gilroy can be advantageous for those who leverage their experience and specialization, especially amidst the ongoing workforce shortage that has driven pay increases in recent years.
More salary data for Gilroy, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Gilroy in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Gilroy?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Gilroy paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Gilroy?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Gilroy?
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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 Gilroy. 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 Gilroy 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