Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Lakewood, CA: $29.34 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Lakewood, CA runs $29.34 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $61,034 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Lakewood's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $25.94 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $36,616 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Lakewood, California, veterinary technologists and technicians earn a median hourly rate of $29.34, significantly higher than the national median of $24.03. This competitive pay rate affords part-time workers, who may typically work around three days a week, a respectable wage for their contributions to veterinary practices ranging from general care environments to specialty hospitals and university clinics. Entry-level salaries start at around $22.66 per hour, while top earners can command $39.00 per hour, reflecting the diverse skills and responsibilities present in this field. Given the rising demand for qualified professionals, these hourly earnings in Lakewood demonstrate a solid opportunity for both established and aspiring veterinary technologists and technicians.
About the Lakewood 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) | $22.66 | $181.29 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.65 | $189.22 |
| Median (P50) | $29.34 | $234.72 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $35.75 | $286.03 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $39.00 | $312.03 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lakewood
Based on $29.34/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.34/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lakewood, CA can expect to earn approximately $61,026 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,207. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Lakewood.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lakewood
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,173.58 | $5,086 | $61,026 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $704.15 | $3,051 | $36,616 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $469.43 | $2,034 | $24,411 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Lakewood) | $29.34 |
| 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 Lakewood, CA earn a median of $61,034 per year (2026 est.), which is 22.10% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 2.50% below the California state average of $62,599.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.34/hr = $36,616/year (purchasing power: $32,375).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $61,026/year (purchasing power: $53,958).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$20.73/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.81/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.34/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Lakewood (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.73/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.28/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $21.63/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.45/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.67/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $27.56/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.81/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.34/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.95/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Lakewood grew 34.1% from $20.73/hr (2019) to $27.81/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.95/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 Lakewood 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 Lakewood
When examining part-time earning potential, a veterinary technologist and technician working 24 hours a week could expect to take home around $45,570 annually compared to those in full-time positions, which would yield over $61,000. The per-diem veterinary technologist and technician pay in Lakewood varies significantly, with rates often ranging from $25 to $40 per hour, while VTS-credentialed specialty technicians can expect pay toward the higher end, hitting $35 to $55 per hour in certain settings. Various employer types in the area, including corporate chain hospitals and specialty referral facilities, exhibit different hourly rates that reflect their specific needs and patient load. Additionally, many professionals encounter the choice between higher hourly rates and the associated health benefits that full-time positions typically provide. Negotiating effectively in Lakewood may involve emphasizing skills or certifications, especially for those pursuing advanced credentials through the VTS pathway, ensuring that workers can secure competitive wages that reflect their expertise in the veterinary field.
More salary data for Lakewood, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Lakewood in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Lakewood?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Lakewood paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Lakewood?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Lakewood?
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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 Lakewood. 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 Lakewood 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