Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Indio, CA: $29.56 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Indio, CA runs $29.56 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $61,485 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Indio's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $26.14 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $36,892 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, veterinary technologists and technicians in Indio, CA, can expect a median hourly pay of $29.56, significantly higher than the national median hourly rate of $24.03. This positions Indio's pay at about 23% above the national average, making it an attractive location for both seasoned professionals and those entering the field. With a range extending from $23.05 for entry-level positions to approximately $39.72 for top earners, there are ample opportunities for part-time work, commonly found in various settings, including general practice treatment areas, specialty hospitals, and even veterinary research facilities. For individuals working part-time, such as three days a week, this hourly rate translates into a competitive income, making it feasible for veterinarians to balance work with other life commitments or education programs.
About the Indio 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) | $23.05 | $184.41 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.73 | $197.83 |
| Median (P50) | $29.56 | $236.49 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36.28 | $290.25 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $39.72 | $317.77 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Indio
Based on $29.56/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.56/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Indio, CA can expect to earn approximately $61,487 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,473. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Indio.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Indio
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,182.44 | $5,124 | $61,487 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $709.47 | $3,074 | $36,892 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $472.98 | $2,050 | $24,595 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Indio) | $29.56 |
| 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 Indio, CA earn a median of $61,485 per year (2026 est.), which is 23.00% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 1.80% below the California state average of $62,612.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.56/hr = $36,892/year (purchasing power: $32,619).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $61,487/year (purchasing power: $54,365).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$20.89/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.02/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.56/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Indio (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.89/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.44/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $21.79/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.61/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.87/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $27.76/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.02/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.56/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.19/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Indio grew 34.1% from $20.89/hr (2019) to $28.02/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.19/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 Indio 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 Indio
On the other hand, per diem roles present additional earning potential and flexibility for veterinary technologists and technicians in Indio. Professionals working in these capacities often command hourly rates between $25-$40, with specialized technicians (e.g., Veterinary Technician Specialists) earning $35-$55 per hour. Weekend and overnight ER coverage typically ranges from $30-$50, driven by the ongoing shortage of staff in many veterinary practices. Employment type significantly impacts hourly rates; for example, those in corporate chain hospitals may notice discrepancies in pay compared to specialty referral hospitals or research labs. Accepting lower hourly wages in exchange for employee benefits, such as health insurance, is common among technicians who strive for job stability. To maximize earning potential, negotiating pay rates effectively involves being aware of local market trends and understanding the balance between hourly wages and benefits offered by potential employers in the diverse veterinary landscape in Indio, CA.
More salary data for Indio, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Indio in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Indio?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Indio paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Indio?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Indio?
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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 Indio. 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 Indio 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