Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Irvine, CA: $31.28 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Irvine, CA runs $31.28 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $65,053 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Irvine's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $27.66 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $39,038 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Veterinary technologists and technicians in Irvine, California, earn a median hourly wage of $31.28, which is significantly above the national median of $24.03. This elevated pay level allows those working part-time or on a per-diem basis—common arrangements in clinical settings like general practice treatment areas, specialty hospital ICUs, or teaching hospitals—to enjoy a respectable income while balancing their schedules. For technicians who work three days a week, or approximately 24 hours, this hourly rate can lead to a solid income potential. Entry-level positions typically start at about $23.12 per hour, while more experienced professionals can make upwards of $43.96 per hour, showcasing a range that reflects both skill and sector-wide labor demand in Irvine.
About the Irvine 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) | $23.12 | $184.92 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.45 | $203.57 |
| Median (P50) | $31.28 | $250.25 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $39.94 | $319.54 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $43.96 | $351.69 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Irvine
Based on $31.28/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.28/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Irvine, CA can expect to earn approximately $65,064 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $37,537. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Irvine.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Irvine
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,251.23 | $5,422 | $65,064 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $750.74 | $3,253 | $39,038 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $500.49 | $2,169 | $26,026 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Irvine) | $31.28 |
| 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 Irvine, CA earn a median of $65,053 per year (2026 est.), which is 30.14% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 3.90% above the California state average of $62,612.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.28/hr = $39,038/year (purchasing power: $34,517).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $65,064/year (purchasing power: $57,528).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$22.10/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.65/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.28/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Irvine (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.10/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.69/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.06/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.93/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.37/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $29.37/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.65/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.28/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $33.00/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Irvine grew 34.1% from $22.10/hr (2019) to $29.65/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $33.00/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 Irvine 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 Irvine
Turning to the part-time earning potential, a veterinary technologist or technician working just three days a week could take home a substantial amount in regards to their annual income compared to a full-time schedule. Per-diem opportunities often have variable rates, with many veterinarians billing between $25 and $40 per hour, while Veterinary Technician Specialists (VTS) earn $35 to $55 per hour, particularly in specialty roles. Employers in Irvine—varying from general practice clinics to corporate chains and specialty hospitals—tend to offer differing hourly pay rates. While corporate facilities might offer competitive hourly wages, they often provide benefits that can be appealing to some technicians. Negotiating these terms is crucial; securing a higher hourly pay might mean giving up valuable health and retirement benefits. Candidates are encouraged to consider their long-term career goals when choosing between varied hourly rates and benefits packages in the veterinary technologist and technician field throughout CA.
More salary data for Irvine, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Irvine in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Irvine?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Irvine paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Irvine?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Irvine?
Related Pages
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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 Irvine. 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 Irvine 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