Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Madera, CA: $29.40 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Madera, CA runs $29.40 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $61,168 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Madera's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $26.00 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $36,695 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Madera, California, the veterinary technologist and technician hourly rate is projected to be $29.40 in 2026, significantly higher than the national median of $24.03. This competitive hourly pay reflects the demand for skilled professionals in various settings, including general practice clinics, specialty hospitals, and pharmaceutical research facilities. For those working part-time—typically three days a week—the earnings from this hourly rate can adequately support a comfortable lifestyle. The estimated hourly range for these professionals varies from $22.82 for entry-level positions to as high as $39.14 for seasoned experts, indicating a robust potential for career advancement and increased income as one gains more experience and possibly achieves specialties like VTS credentialing.
About the Madera 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) | $22.82 | $182.56 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.42 | $195.39 |
| Median (P50) | $29.40 | $235.22 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $35.95 | $287.64 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $39.14 | $313.12 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Madera
Based on $29.40/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.40/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Madera, CA can expect to earn approximately $61,158 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,283. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Madera.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Madera
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,176.11 | $5,096 | $61,158 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $705.67 | $3,058 | $36,695 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $470.45 | $2,039 | $24,463 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Madera) | $29.40 |
| 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 Madera, CA earn a median of $61,168 per year (2026 est.), which is 22.37% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 2.30% below the California state average of $62,608.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.40/hr = $36,695/year (purchasing power: $32,445).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $61,158/year (purchasing power: $54,074).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$20.78/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.87/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.40/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Madera (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.78/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.33/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $21.68/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.49/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.73/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $27.62/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.87/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.40/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.02/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Madera grew 34.1% from $20.78/hr (2019) to $27.87/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.02/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 Madera 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 Madera
For those considering part-time roles or per-diem positions in Madera, the earnings can vary significantly based on specific employment circumstances. A veterinary technologist and technician working 24 hours per week may take home roughly $45,792 annually, while full-time colleagues can earn above $61,168. Per-diem veterinary technologists typically charge $25-$40 per hour, with VTS-credentialed specialists commanding between $35-$55. Weekend or overnight shifts can pay even more, ranging from $30 to $50 in high-demand scenarios. Additionally, hourly rates can differ across clinical environments; techs in corporate chain hospitals may see varied pay scales compared to those in private practices or academic institutions. While some may opt for lower hourly rates in exchange for benefits like health insurance, others may prioritize higher hourly wages at facilities that do not offer benefits. It’s important for individuals in Madera to negotiate effectively by understanding local pay trends and leveraging their qualifications to secure competitive compensation for their valuable skills in the veterinary field.
More salary data for Madera, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Madera in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Madera?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Madera paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Madera?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Madera?
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 Madera. 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 Madera 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