Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Manteca, CA: $29.43 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Manteca, CA runs $29.43 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $61,223 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Manteca's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $26.03 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $36,734 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Manteca, California, veterinary technologists and technicians earn a median hourly rate of $29.43, significantly higher than the national hourly median of $24.03. This competitive hourly pay reflects the demand for skilled professionals in settings such as general practice treatment areas, specialty hospital ICU wards, university teaching hospitals, and pharmaceutical research facilities. Entry-level positions typically start around $22.88 per hour, while experienced technicians in Manteca can earn up to $39.30 per hour, creating opportunities for part-time workers and per-diem roles. With many professionals opting for three days a week, this hourly rate can enhance both job flexibility and overall financial stability.
About the Manteca 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) | $22.88 | $183.06 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.48 | $195.81 |
| Median (P50) | $29.43 | $235.48 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $35.98 | $287.80 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $39.30 | $314.39 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Manteca
Based on $29.43/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.43/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Manteca, CA can expect to earn approximately $61,224 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,321. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Manteca.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Manteca
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,177.38 | $5,102 | $61,224 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $706.43 | $3,061 | $36,734 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $470.95 | $2,041 | $24,490 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Manteca) | $29.43 |
| 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 Manteca, CA earn a median of $61,223 per year (2026 est.), which is 22.48% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 2.20% below the California state average of $62,600.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.43/hr = $36,734/year (purchasing power: $32,479).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $61,224/year (purchasing power: $54,132).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$20.80/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.90/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.43/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Manteca (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.80/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.35/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $21.70/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.52/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.76/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $27.64/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.90/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.43/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.05/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Manteca grew 34.1% from $20.80/hr (2019) to $27.90/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.05/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 Manteca 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 Manteca
For those considering part-time opportunities, working three days a week (approximately 24 hours) translates to an annual income of roughly $37,663, compared to the higher wages available in full-time positions. Per-diem veterinary technologists and technicians can earn between $25 to $40 per hour, while specialized technicians with VTS credentials command rates of $35-$55 in demanding environments. Hourly rates may vary across different employers in Manteca, with corporate chain hospitals like VCA and BluePearl often offering competitive wages, while specialty hospitals may provide higher pay but less predictable schedules. Some veterinary professionals may choose lower hourly wages for positions that include health benefits. Ultimately, negotiating hourly rates effectively, emphasizing skill sets and experience, can lead to favorable compensation in an evolving market facing workforce shortages.
More salary data for Manteca, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Manteca in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Manteca?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Manteca paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Manteca?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Manteca?
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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 Manteca. 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 Manteca 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