Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Lancaster, CA: $30.72 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Lancaster, CA runs $30.72 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $63,901 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Lancaster's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $27.16 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $38,341 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Lancaster, California, the projected median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in 2026 is $30.72, significantly higher than the national median of $24.03. This favorable wage reflects the growing demand for skilled professionals in veterinary settings, including general practice treatment areas, specialty hospital ICUs, and animal medical units at zoos and aquariums. Part-time and per-diem workers, who typically work three days a week or on an as-needed basis, can benefit from this hourly rate. Their compensation can range from an entry-level wage of $22.10 to experienced professionals earning up to $43.27 per hour. These figures provide a snapshot of the earning potential for those in Lancaster’s veterinary field and are derived from annual salary estimates, demonstrating the high value placed on veterinary staff in today's job market.
About the Lancaster 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) | $22.10 | $176.82 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.30 | $194.37 |
| Median (P50) | $30.72 | $245.77 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36.90 | $295.23 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $43.27 | $346.12 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lancaster
Based on $30.72/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.72/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lancaster, CA can expect to earn approximately $63,901 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,866. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Lancaster.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lancaster
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,228.86 | $5,325 | $63,901 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $737.32 | $3,195 | $38,341 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $491.55 | $2,130 | $25,560 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Lancaster) | $30.72 |
| 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 Lancaster, CA earn a median of $63,901 per year (2026 est.), which is 27.84% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 2.00% above the California state average of $62,648.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.72/hr = $38,341/year (purchasing power: $33,900).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $63,901/year (purchasing power: $56,499).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$21.71/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.12/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.72/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Lancaster (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.71/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.29/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.65/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.50/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.88/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.85/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.12/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.72/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.41/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Lancaster grew 34.1% from $21.71/hr (2019) to $29.12/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.41/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 Lancaster 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 Lancaster
When evaluating earnings for part-time veterinary technologists and technicians in Lancaster, the potential variance is significant. A professional working 24 hours a week might earn considerably less annually compared to their full-time counterparts, yet they enjoy flexibility that many prefer. The per diem pay scale also exhibits a broad range; common billing rates for agency personnel fall between $25 and $40 per hour, and VTS-credentialed specialists can command rates from $35 to $55 per hour. Particularly in urgent care settings, weekend or overnight shifts often yield pay between $30 and $50 per hour as hospitals grapple with staffing shortages. The employer type can also influence hourly wages—with general practice clinics typically offering lower pay compared to corporate chains like VCA or specialty facilities. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for effective negotiation, especially since some may opt for lower hourly rates to secure benefits like health insurance, a trade-off many in the field weigh carefully.
More salary data for Lancaster, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Lancaster in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Lancaster?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Lancaster paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Lancaster?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Lancaster?
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 Lancaster. 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 Lancaster 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