Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Huntington Beach, CA: $30.22 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Huntington Beach, CA runs $30.22 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $62,843 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Huntington Beach's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $26.72 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,709 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Veterinary technologists and technicians in Huntington Beach, CA, earn a median hourly rate of $30.22, which is significantly higher than the national median hourly figure of $24.03. For a part-time schedule of three days a week, this equates to a solid income that allows for a comfortable life while working in various settings such as general practice treatment areas, specialty hospitals, and even research facilities. The hourly rate for these professionals ranges from $23.28 for entry-level positions up to $42.57 for the highest earners, indicating that there are ample opportunities for career advancement. Such figures are estimated from the annual salary data projected for 2026, highlighting a competitive wage structure specifically tailored for the local market.
About the Huntington Beach 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) | $23.28 | $186.27 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.09 | $200.70 |
| Median (P50) | $30.22 | $241.72 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36.38 | $291.01 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $42.57 | $340.55 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Huntington Beach
Based on $30.22/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.22/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Huntington Beach, CA can expect to earn approximately $62,848 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,258. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Huntington Beach.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Huntington Beach
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,208.61 | $5,237 | $62,848 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $725.16 | $3,142 | $37,709 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $483.44 | $2,095 | $25,139 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Huntington Beach) | $30.22 |
| 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 Huntington Beach, CA earn a median of $62,843 per year (2026 est.), which is 25.72% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 0.30% above the California state average of $62,655.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.22/hr = $37,709/year (purchasing power: $33,341).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $62,848/year (purchasing power: $55,568).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$21.35/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.64/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.22/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Huntington Beach (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.35/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.92/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.27/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.12/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.44/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.37/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.64/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.22/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.88/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Huntington Beach grew 34.1% from $21.35/hr (2019) to $28.64/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.88/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 Huntington Beach 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 Huntington Beach
Focusing on part-time work, a veterinary technologist and technician operating on a 24-hour work week would earn less annually compared to a full-time peer, yet still make a meaningful contribution to their household income. Per-diem veterinary technologists, a flexible employment option in Huntington Beach, typically see hourly rates between $25 to $40, while those with VTS specialty credentials can command $35 to $55 an hour. Emergency coverage, often needed at corporate chain hospitals or specialty clinics, may yield rates from $30 to $50 per hour due to high demand. However, job security, benefits, and steady work are often significant trade-offs for these roles. Various employers across the area—including corporate chains, university clinics, and research facilities—provide different hourly pay scales. Negotiating effectively can lead to better pay and benefits, emphasizing the need for technicians to understand their worth within this competitive sector.
More salary data for Huntington Beach, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Huntington Beach in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Huntington Beach?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Huntington Beach paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Huntington Beach?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Huntington Beach?
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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 Huntington Beach. 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 Huntington Beach 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