Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Modesto, CA: $30.11 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Modesto, CA runs $30.11 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $62,625 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Modesto's regional price level (BEA RPP 104.1, 4% above national), each hour of work buys what $28.92 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,577 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Modesto, California, veterinary technologists and technicians earn a competitive median hourly rate of $30.11, significantly higher than the national median of $24.03. This elevated pay is favorable for individuals seeking part-time or per-diem opportunities, which are common in various environments including general practice treatment areas, specialty hospitals, and university clinics. In this role, entry-level technicians may start around the hourly range of $23.75, while experienced and specialized professionals can earn up to $37.54. Such rates provide a concrete financial incentive for those in the field to pursue additional training or specialization, as these efforts are often rewarded in Modesto's diverse veterinary job market, as indicated by official BLS data projected for 2026.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $23.75 | $189.98 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.82 | $198.59 |
| Median (P50) | $30.11 | $240.88 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $31.23 | $249.82 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $37.54 | $300.30 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Modesto
Based on $30.11/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.11/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Modesto, CA can expect to earn approximately $62,628 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,132. With a cost-of-living index of 104.11 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Modesto.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Modesto
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,204.39 | $5,219 | $62,628 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $722.63 | $3,131 | $37,577 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $481.76 | $2,088 | $25,051 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Modesto) | $30.11 |
| 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 Modesto, CA earn a median of $62,625 per year (2026 est.), which is 25.29% higher than the national median of $49,986.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.11/hr = $37,577/year (purchasing power: $36,094).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $62,628/year (purchasing power: $60,157).
CoL index: 104.108 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$18.28/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.54/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.11/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+73.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Modesto (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.28/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.71/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.07/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.72/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.26/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $24.21/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.54/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.11/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.77/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Modesto grew 56.1% from $18.28/hr (2019) to $28.54/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.77/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 Modesto 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 Modesto
Job flexibility is a critical aspect for many veterinary technologists and technicians considering part-time or per-diem work. Working just three days a week for 24 hours could translate to approximately $62,625 annually, which effectively aligns with full-time earnings for those who might prefer the flexibility of a less typical schedule. Per diem workers can expect to earn between $25 and $40 per hour, while those with VTS certifications frequently command rates of $35 to $55. Positions in specialty referral hospitals and corporate chain facilities may vary in pay; while some lower-paid roles might integrate important benefits like health insurance, others provide higher hourly rates without the safety net of benefits. Understanding employer types and negotiating effectively is vital, especially with the ongoing shortage of veterinary technicians in the workforce—a trend that has heightened compensation across the board.
More salary data for Modesto, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Modesto in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Modesto?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Modesto paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Modesto?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Modesto?
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 Modesto. 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