Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Lake Forest, CA: $29.56 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Lake Forest, 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 Lake Forest'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 Lake Forest, California, veterinary technologists and technicians can expect a median hourly pay of $29.56, significantly above the national median of $24.03. This higher pay reflects regional demand and cost-of-living considerations. For part-time professionals working around three days per week, this translates to a decent compensation, allowing for a flexible work-life balance. Those engaged in per-diem roles or in specialty settings, such as ICUs, university clinics, or pharmaceutical research, may find their earning potential even more appealing. Hourly rates for entry-level positions can start around $23.05, while top earners in this field can command as much as $39.72, providing a robust financial outlook for those at various stages in their careers.
About the Lake Forest 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) | $24.09 | $192.69 |
| 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 Lake Forest
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 Lake Forest, 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 Lake Forest.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lake Forest
| 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 (Lake Forest) | $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 Lake Forest, 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 Lake Forest (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 Lake Forest 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 Lake Forest 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 Lake Forest
Part-time veterinary technologists and technicians in Lake Forest working a 24-hour week might expect to take home approximately $61,485 annually, which can be a suitable income for balancing professional and personal commitments. For those who choose per-diem positions, the compensation can vary widely; while many bill around $25 to $40 per hour, specialty technicians with VTS credentials often earn between $35 and $55 per hour. In instances where there is a high demand for weekend or overnight shifts, hourly rates can spike to $30 to $50 due to staffing shortages. Different employer types significantly influence pay scales, with corporate chains like VCA and BluePearl generally offering lower hourly rates compared to specialty facilities. Some veterinary technologists may find it worthwhile to accept lower hourly wages in exchange for benefits like health insurance, which can be particularly valuable. When negotiating hourly rates, particularly in Lake Forest’s competitive market, candidates should research these variances and be prepared to discuss the value they bring to an employer.
More salary data for Lake Forest, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Lake Forest in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Lake Forest?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Lake Forest paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Lake Forest?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Lake Forest?
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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 Lake Forest. 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 Lake Forest 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