Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Hawthorne, CA: $29.75 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Hawthorne, CA runs $29.75 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $61,877 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Hawthorne's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $26.31 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,129 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Veterinary technologists and technicians in Hawthorne, California, earn a median hourly rate of $29.75, significantly higher than the national median of $24.03. This competitive hourly wage reflects the increasing demand for skilled professionals in this field, especially in environments such as general practice treatment areas, specialty hospital ICUs, and even university teaching hospitals. For those working part-time, say three days a week, this hourly rate translates into a weekly take-home that can support a modest lifestyle. The pay range in Hawthorne spans from $21.25 for entry-level positions to $38.45 for top earners in the profession, providing a realistic pathway for growth and advancement as experience and specializations like VTS credentialing are obtained.
About the Hawthorne 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) | $21.25 | $169.98 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.11 | $200.87 |
| Median (P50) | $29.75 | $238.01 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $35.61 | $284.85 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $38.45 | $307.64 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Hawthorne
Based on $29.75/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.75/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Hawthorne, CA can expect to earn approximately $61,882 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,701. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Hawthorne.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Hawthorne
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,190.04 | $5,157 | $61,882 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $714.02 | $3,094 | $37,129 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $476.02 | $2,063 | $24,753 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Hawthorne) | $29.75 |
| 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 Hawthorne, CA earn a median of $61,877 per year (2026 est.), which is 23.79% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 1.20% below the California state average of $62,628.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.75/hr = $37,129/year (purchasing power: $32,829).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $61,882/year (purchasing power: $54,714).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$21.02/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.20/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.75/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Hawthorne (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.02/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.58/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $21.93/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.76/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.03/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $27.94/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.20/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.75/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.39/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Hawthorne grew 34.1% from $21.02/hr (2019) to $28.20/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.39/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 Hawthorne 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 Hawthorne
Part-time veterinary technologists and technicians working a typical 24-hour week in Hawthorne can expect a solid annual income, albeit lower than that of their full-time counterparts. For those opting for per-diem or agency work, daily workflows often result in rates between $25 and $40 per hour, with VTS-certified specialty technicians commanding $35 to $55 in niche roles. Weekend or overnight ER positions can yield even higher rates, particularly in understaffed hospitals, with compensation moving between $30 and $50 per hour based on market competitiveness. Employers vary significantly; general practice clinics and corporate chains might offer different rates compared to specialized referral hospitals or teaching facilities. When negotiating hourly pay, workers may need to weigh immediate financial benefits against the potential for health insurance and other benefits. Understanding the local job market dynamics is essential for veterinary technologists and technicians in Hawthorne to optimize their earning potential.
More salary data for Hawthorne, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Hawthorne in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Hawthorne?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Hawthorne paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Hawthorne?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Hawthorne?
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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 Hawthorne. 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 Hawthorne 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