Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Long Beach, CA: $30.87 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Long Beach, CA runs $30.87 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $64,219 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Long Beach's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $27.29 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $38,525 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Long Beach, California, the veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay stands at a robust $30.87, significantly surpassing the national hourly median of $24.03. This competitive rate is particularly advantageous for part-time and per-diem workers in various settings, including general practice treatment areas, specialty hospitals, university clinics, and pharmaceutical research animal facilities. For those considering part-time roles, working three days a week might translate to steady income, while the pay range—from $21.25 at the entry-level to $44.23 for top earners—demonstrates that this profession can provide a substantial income through strategic job selection and career advancement. It’s important to recognize that these hourly rates are derived from annual salary data, painting a promising picture for those entering the field or seeking to improve their financial standing.
About the Long Beach 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) | $21.25 | $169.98 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.63 | $205.01 |
| Median (P50) | $30.87 | $246.95 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $39.32 | $314.56 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $44.23 | $353.80 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Long Beach
Based on $30.87/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.87/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Long Beach, CA can expect to earn approximately $64,208 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $37,043. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Long Beach.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Long Beach
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,234.77 | $5,351 | $64,208 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $740.86 | $3,210 | $38,525 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $493.91 | $2,140 | $25,683 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Long Beach) | $30.87 |
| 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 Long Beach, CA earn a median of $64,219 per year (2026 est.), which is 28.47% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 2.50% above the California state average of $62,653.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.87/hr = $38,525/year (purchasing power: $34,063).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $64,208/year (purchasing power: $56,771).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$21.81/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.26/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.87/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Long Beach (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.81/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.39/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.76/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.62/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.01/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $29.79/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.26/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.87/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.57/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Long Beach grew 34.1% from $21.81/hr (2019) to $29.26/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.57/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 Long Beach 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 Long Beach
Part-time veterinary technologists and technicians in Long Beach, working a typical schedule of 24 hours per week, can anticipate earnings that total around $38,837 annually compared to a full-time position. For those who embrace per-diem work, the potential financial flexibility often comes with its trade-offs; per diem rates typically range from $25 to $40 per hour for general work, while VTS-credentialed specialists can command between $35 and $55 per hour, particularly for weekend and overnight emergency coverage. This variability is influenced by employer type, with corporate chains and specialty hospitals offering different pay structures. Additionally, some professionals may opt for lower hourly rates in exchange for benefits such as health insurance, while others prefer the higher pay available without the benefits. When negotiating pay in Long Beach, being informed about the local market and articulating your qualifications, especially if specialized, can significantly impact your hourly wage success.
More salary data for Long Beach, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Long Beach in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Long Beach?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Long Beach paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Long Beach?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Long Beach?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in California
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 Long Beach. 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 Long Beach 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