Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in La Habra, CA: $29.08 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in La Habra, CA runs $29.08 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $60,474 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against La Habra's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $25.71 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $36,287 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In La Habra, the veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay stands at a competitive $29.08, which significantly exceeds the national median hourly rate of $24.03. This higher pay rate reflects the local cost of living and the increased demand for skilled veterinary support professionals. For part-time workers, typically employed three days a week, this rate translates into meaningful take-home pay that can supplement other income sources. Per-diem roles in diverse environments—ranging from general practice clinics and specialty veterinary hospitals to wildlife rehabilitation centers—offer a flexible schedule with hourly pay that can vary widely. Entry-level positions in La Habra might start at about $22.01 per hour, while experienced technicians can earn as much as $39.09 per hour, depending on their skills and the complexity of the work involved.
About the La Habra 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) | $22.01 | $176.06 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.75 | $189.98 |
| Median (P50) | $29.08 | $232.61 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $35.76 | $286.12 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $39.09 | $312.70 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in La Habra
Based on $29.08/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.08/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in La Habra, CA can expect to earn approximately $60,478 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,891. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in La Habra.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in La Habra
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,163.03 | $5,040 | $60,478 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $697.82 | $3,024 | $36,287 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $465.21 | $2,016 | $24,191 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (La Habra) | $29.08 |
| 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 La Habra, CA earn a median of $60,474 per year (2026 est.), which is 20.98% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 3.40% below the California state average of $62,602.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.08/hr = $36,287/year (purchasing power: $32,084).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $60,478/year (purchasing power: $53,473).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$20.54/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.56/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.08/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in La Habra (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.54/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.09/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $21.43/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.24/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.44/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $27.30/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.56/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.08/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.67/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in La Habra grew 34.1% from $20.54/hr (2019) to $27.56/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.67/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 La Habra 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 La Habra
When examining the financial prospects for those working part-time as veterinary technologists and technicians, a three-day workweek (totaling 24 hours) results in an annual income lower than what full-time employees might earn. Per-diem workers in La Habra often bill between $25 and $40 per hour, while those with VTS credentials in specialty areas command between $35 and $55, particularly for weekend or overnight shifts in emergency care settings. The variability in hourly rates can largely depend on the type of employer—general practice clinics, corporate vet hospitals, and specialty referral centers each have different pay scales. Many technicians may choose to accept lower hourly rates for the benefits associated with full-time positions, including health insurance, rather than opt for higher hourly wages in per-diem roles without these perks. Navigating salary negotiations requires an awareness of local pay practices and knowledge of what different employers are willing to offer in La Habra.
More salary data for La Habra, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in La Habra in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in La Habra?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in La Habra paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in La Habra?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in La Habra?
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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 La Habra. 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 La Habra 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