Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Lodi, CA: $28.02 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Lodi, CA runs $28.02 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $58,275 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Lodi's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $24.78 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $34,970 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Lodi, California, veterinary technologists and technicians earn a median hourly rate of $28.02, which notably exceeds the national median of $24.03. This competitive hourly wage translates to substantial income potential for part-time workers, such as those on a three-day work schedule, who can thus expect to earn around $43,990 annually if they work 24 hours per week. Part-time and per-diem veterinary professionals in settings like general practice treatment areas or specialty hospitals often fall within an hourly range from $21.69 for entry-level positions to $37.24 for highly experienced technicians. This salary range indicates that the workforce is positioned well against the backdrop of an industry facing acute shortages, with growing demand for skilled professionals driving up pay in various veterinary settings across Lodi.
About the Lodi 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) | $21.69 | $173.53 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.25 | $186.02 |
| Median (P50) | $28.02 | $224.17 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $34.21 | $273.71 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $37.24 | $297.93 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lodi
Based on $28.02/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.02/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lodi, CA can expect to earn approximately $58,283 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $33,625. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Lodi.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lodi
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,120.83 | $4,857 | $58,283 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $672.50 | $2,914 | $34,970 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $448.33 | $1,943 | $23,313 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Lodi) | $28.02 |
| 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 Lodi, CA earn a median of $58,275 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.58% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 6.90% below the California state average of $62,594.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.02/hr = $34,970/year (purchasing power: $30,920).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $58,283/year (purchasing power: $51,533).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$19.80/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$26.56/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.02/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Lodi (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $19.80/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $20.33/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $20.66/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $21.44/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $24.52/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $27.61/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $26.56/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.02/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.56/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Lodi grew 34.1% from $19.80/hr (2019) to $26.56/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.56/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 Lodi 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 Lodi
Hourly compensation for veterinary technologists and technicians in Lodi varies significantly depending on the employer and the nature of the work. Part-time professionals earning hourly wages can expect to make a substantial difference in their take-home pay compared to full-time workers. For those seeking flexible roles, per-diem positions offer enticing pay that can range from $25 to $40 per hour, while weekend and overnight shifts at emergency facilities may yield even higher rates, sometimes between $30 to $50. Credentialed Veterinary Technician Specialists (VTS) tend to see pay rates rise to between $35 and $55 per hour, reflecting their advanced skills. However, many professionals must weigh the benefits of stability and health insurance against the lure of higher hourly pay with no benefits. Understanding these dynamics enables veterinary technicians in Lodi to negotiate more effectively based on their specific circumstances and career goals.
More salary data for Lodi, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Lodi in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Lodi?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Lodi paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Lodi?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Lodi?
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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 Lodi. 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 Lodi 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