Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Los Angeles, CA: $30.77 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Los Angeles, CA runs $30.77 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $64,007 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Los Angeles's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.6, 14% above national), each hour of work buys what $27.10 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $38,406 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Los Angeles, veterinary technologists and technicians can expect a median hourly rate of $30.77, significantly higher than the national median of $24.03. This disparity reflects not only the cost of living in the area but also the acute shortage of skilled professionals in the veterinary field. For those considering part-time roles, such as working three days a week, this hourly rate translates to approximately $2,307 in gross income per month, making it a viable option for many. Moreover, in diverse settings like specialty hospitals, university clinics, or even zoo medical units, the hourly wage ranges from $24.55 for entry-level positions to $38.75 for experienced technicians. These figures are derived from official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data and highlight the potential for lucrative earnings during per-diem work, appealing to those seeking flexibility in their careers.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $24.55 | $196.40 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.00 | $207.96 |
| Median (P50) | $30.77 | $246.19 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $31.93 | $255.48 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $38.75 | $310.00 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Los Angeles
Based on $30.77/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.77/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Los Angeles, CA can expect to earn approximately $64,011 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,929. With a cost-of-living index of 113.57 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Los Angeles.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Los Angeles
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,230.97 | $5,334 | $64,011 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $738.58 | $3,201 | $38,406 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $492.39 | $2,134 | $25,604 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Los Angeles) | $30.77 |
| 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 Los Angeles, CA earn a median of $64,007 per year (2026 est.), which is 28.05% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 2.20% above the California state average of $62,629.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.77/hr = $38,406/year (purchasing power: $33,819).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $64,011/year (purchasing power: $56,364).
CoL index: 113.566 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$21.84/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.17/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.77/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Los Angeles (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.84/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $25.81/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $21.81/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.03/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $24.12/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.94/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.17/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.77/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.47/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Los Angeles grew 33.6% from $21.84/hr (2019) to $29.17/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.47/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 Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles
Considering the earning potential for those working part-time, a veterinary technologist or technician putting in about 24 hours weekly can take home a substantial income while potentially enjoying a better work-life balance compared to their full-time counterparts. Per diem veterinary technologist and technician pay in Los Angeles can vary widely; while many can secure $25 to $40 per hour, certified Veterinary Technician Specialists (VTS) may command between $35 and $55 per hour. Emergency and critical care settings often offer competitive rates of $30 to $50, especially in shortage markets. The differences in hourly rates depend heavily on the type of employer, whether it be a general practice clinic or a corporate chain hospital. Those in the profession must weigh the trade-offs between slightly lower hourly pay with benefits and higher pay without such security, especially in corporate environments. For successful negotiation, it’s crucial to go in armed with regional pay data and be ready to discuss the value of specialized credentials, such as VTS, which can significantly enhance earning potential.
More salary data for Los Angeles, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Los Angeles in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Los Angeles?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Los Angeles paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Los Angeles?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Los Angeles?
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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 Los Angeles. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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