Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Lompoc, CA: $29.79 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Lompoc, CA runs $29.79 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $61,973 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Lompoc's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $26.34 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,182 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Lompoc, California, the projected veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay is $29.79, which significantly exceeds the national average of $24.03. This difference underscores the value placed on skilled veterinary professionals in this area, making it an attractive option for both full-time and part-time workers. With hourly rates ranging from $23.03 for entry-level positions up to $37.52 for experienced practitioners, those working three days a week can expect to earn a solid income while balancing other responsibilities. Environments typical for this occupation include general practice clinics, specialty hospitals, university teaching hospitals, and even pharmaceutical research facilities, giving workers various settings to apply their skills and expertise.
About the Lompoc 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) | $23.03 | $184.25 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.53 | $196.23 |
| Median (P50) | $29.79 | $238.35 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $35.30 | $282.40 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $37.52 | $300.13 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lompoc
Based on $29.79/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.79/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lompoc, CA can expect to earn approximately $61,970 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,752. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Lompoc.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lompoc
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,191.73 | $5,164 | $61,970 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $715.04 | $3,098 | $37,182 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $476.69 | $2,066 | $24,788 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Lompoc) | $29.79 |
| 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 Lompoc, CA earn a median of $61,973 per year (2026 est.), which is 23.98% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 1.00% below the California state average of $62,599.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.79/hr = $37,182/year (purchasing power: $32,875).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $61,970/year (purchasing power: $54,792).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$21.05/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.24/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.79/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Lompoc (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.05/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.61/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $21.96/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.79/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.07/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $27.98/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.24/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.79/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.43/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Lompoc grew 34.1% from $21.05/hr (2019) to $28.24/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.43/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 Lompoc 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 Lompoc
For part-time technicians, working a schedule of three days per week amounts to approximately $46,854 annually, showcasing the potential for a respectable income without committing to full-time hours. The per diem landscape offers flexible opportunities as well, where veterinary technologists and technicians can earn between $25 and $40 per hour, with VTS-credentialed specialists often commanding up to $55 per hour. Hourly rates can vary widely based on employer type; corporate chains and specialty referral hospitals may offer higher pay but often do not come with benefits, leading some professionals to opt for positions that provide health insurance despite lower hourly rates. To negotiate effectively in the Lompoc market, it is valuable to understand the local demand and to weigh the benefits of hourly pay against the potential advantages of full-time employment, particularly in light of the growing need for qualified technicians in veterinary medicine.
More salary data for Lompoc, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Lompoc in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Lompoc?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Lompoc paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Lompoc?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Lompoc?
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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 Lompoc. 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 Lompoc 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