Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in La Mirada, CA: $29.92 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in La Mirada, CA runs $29.92 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $62,226 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against La Mirada's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $26.45 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,340 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Veterinary technologists and technicians in La Mirada, California, can expect a median hourly rate of $29.92, significantly higher than the national median of $24.03. This rate provides an attractive opportunity for part-time and per-diem professionals, especially those working in diverse settings such as general practice, specialty hospitals, and even teaching institutions. For those working three days a week, the pay can translate into a sustainable income, allowing flexibility without sacrificing financial stability. The hourly range in La Mirada varies from approximately $23.29 for entry-level positions to as much as $37.91 for experienced technicians in top-tier facilities. It’s important to consider these hourly estimates as derived from yearly salary data, reflecting the upward trend in compensation in this growing field.
About the La Mirada 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) | $23.29 | $186.36 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.78 | $198.26 |
| Median (P50) | $29.92 | $239.36 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36.22 | $289.75 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $37.91 | $303.25 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in La Mirada
Based on $29.92/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.92/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in La Mirada, CA can expect to earn approximately $62,233 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,904. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in La Mirada.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in La Mirada
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,196.79 | $5,186 | $62,233 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $718.08 | $3,112 | $37,340 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $478.72 | $2,074 | $24,893 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (La Mirada) | $29.92 |
| 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 Mirada, CA earn a median of $62,226 per year (2026 est.), which is 24.49% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 0.60% below the California state average of $62,602.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.92/hr = $37,340/year (purchasing power: $33,015).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $62,233/year (purchasing power: $55,025).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$21.14/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.36/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.92/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in La Mirada (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.14/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.70/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.06/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.89/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.18/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.09/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.36/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.92/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.57/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in La Mirada grew 34.1% from $21.14/hr (2019) to $28.36/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.57/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 Mirada 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 Mirada
Part-time veterinary technologists and technicians, working around 24 hours a week, can still realize substantial annual incomes compared to their full-time counterparts, though the total earnings may be modest. For per-diem opportunities, billing rates typically range from $25 to $40 per hour, with specialty-credentialed technicians often earning between $35 and $55. Fast-paced environments like emergency clinics may offer rates of $30 to $50 for weekend shifts, providing options for those wanting to increase their earnings without committing to full-time positions. Different employer types in La Mirada—ranging from corporate chain hospitals to specialty referral centers—can also dictate variations in pay. Moreover, many technicians face a trade-off between accepting lower hourly wages for positions that offer health benefits versus higher pay without such coverage. For those negotiating hourly rates, being aware of the local market, average pay across facilities, and the demand for skills can empower them to secure better compensation. Understanding these nuances is vital, especially given the acute workforce shortage facing the veterinary profession today.
More salary data for La Mirada, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in La Mirada in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in La Mirada?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in La Mirada paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in La Mirada?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in La Mirada?
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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 Mirada. 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 Mirada 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