Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Hayward, CA: $30.50 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Hayward, CA runs $30.50 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $63,446 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Hayward's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $26.97 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $38,064 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Veterinary technologists and technicians in Hayward, California, are projected to earn a median hourly pay of $30.50 in 2026, which is considerably higher than the national median of $24.03 per hour. This competitive rate reflects the ongoing demand for skilled professionals in various settings, including general practice treatment areas, specialty hospital ICUs, and university teaching hospitals. Those working part-time, typically on a 3-day-per-week basis, can expect a steady income that contributes significantly to their overall financial well-being. The hourly rate ranges from $21.56 at the entry-level to approximately $42.43 for top earners, indicating a robust career path for veterinary technologists and technicians in this region. Hourly pay estimates are derived from annual salary data, demonstrating the potential for flexible scheduling and diverse employment opportunities across different animal care environments.
About the Hayward 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) | $21.56 | $172.51 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.68 | $205.43 |
| Median (P50) | $30.50 | $244.00 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $38.25 | $306.03 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $42.43 | $339.46 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Hayward
Based on $30.50/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.50/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Hayward, CA can expect to earn approximately $63,440 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,600. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Hayward.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Hayward
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,220.00 | $5,287 | $63,440 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $732.00 | $3,172 | $38,064 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $488.00 | $2,115 | $25,376 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Hayward) | $30.50 |
| 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 Hayward, CA earn a median of $63,446 per year (2026 est.), which is 26.93% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 1.30% above the California state average of $62,631.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.50/hr = $38,064/year (purchasing power: $33,655).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $63,440/year (purchasing power: $56,092).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$21.55/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.91/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.50/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Hayward (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.55/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.12/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.48/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.33/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.69/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.65/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.91/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.50/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.18/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Hayward grew 34.1% from $21.55/hr (2019) to $28.91/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.18/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 Hayward 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 Hayward
As the veterinary profession faces a workforce shortage, part-time veterinary technologists and technicians in Hayward have a unique earning potential. Working three days a week for roughly 24 hours can yield an annual income of around $38,160, which, although lower than full-time earnings, still offers a viable livelihood. Per diem and agency positions often provide different remuneration rates, with common pay ranging from $25 to $40 per hour. For those holding VTS specialty credentials, the pay can elevate to $35 to $55 per hour. Weekend and overnight coverage for emergency services also typically commands higher rates, reflecting market shortages. Employers such as general practice clinics may offer competitive yet lower hourly rates compared to corporate chains or specialty hospitals that provide benefits. When negotiating pay, it’s advantageous for veterinary technologists in Hayward to consider the full package, including hours, benefits, and desired working conditions, to optimize their career choices within this growing field.
More salary data for Hayward, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Hayward in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Hayward?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Hayward paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Hayward?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Hayward?
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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 Hayward. 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 Hayward 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