Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Moreno Valley, CA: $30.38 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Moreno Valley, CA runs $30.38 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $63,206 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Moreno Valley's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $26.86 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,919 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, veterinary technologists and technicians in Moreno Valley, CA, earn a median hourly rate of $30.38, significantly higher than the national median of $24.03. This competitive hourly wage reflects the growing demand for skilled professionals in various veterinary settings, including general practice clinics, specialty hospitals, and university teaching hospitals. For part-time workers putting in three days a week, this translates to a stable and rewarding source of income, while per-diem roles can offer flexible schedules with varying pay based on demand. The hourly pay range spans from $22.14 for entry-level positions to $42.12 for experienced technicians and specialists, illustrating a diverse landscape of compensation tailored to skill and experience.
About the Moreno Valley 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) | $22.14 | $177.16 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.39 | $195.13 |
| Median (P50) | $30.38 | $243.07 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $38.45 | $307.64 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $42.12 | $336.92 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Moreno Valley
Based on $30.38/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.38/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Moreno Valley, CA can expect to earn approximately $63,199 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,461. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Moreno Valley.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Moreno Valley
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,215.36 | $5,267 | $63,199 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $729.22 | $3,160 | $37,919 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $486.14 | $2,107 | $25,279 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Moreno Valley) | $30.38 |
| 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 Moreno Valley, CA earn a median of $63,206 per year (2026 est.), which is 26.45% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 0.90% above the California state average of $62,642.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.38/hr = $37,919/year (purchasing power: $33,527).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $63,199/year (purchasing power: $55,879).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$21.47/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.80/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.38/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Moreno Valley (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.47/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.04/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.40/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.24/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.59/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.54/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.80/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.38/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.06/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Moreno Valley grew 34.1% from $21.47/hr (2019) to $28.80/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.06/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 Moreno Valley 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 Moreno Valley
Analyzing the earning potential for those in the field shows a stark contrast between part-time, full-time, and per-diem opportunities. A full-time veterinary technologist or technician could secure annual earnings reflective of their hourly rate, whereas a part-time worker committing to 24 hours a week would take home a considerably reduced total, impacting benefits and job security. Per-diem positions typically pay between $25-$40 an hour, with specialty techs commanding higher rates of $35-$55 due to their advanced credentials and expertise. Employment types also influence hourly rates; corporate chain hospitals might offer a slightly lower pay scale compared to specialized clinics or research institutions. Some technicians might choose lower hourly rates for positions that include comprehensive health insurance, while others may prioritize maximizing hourly pay without benefits. Skillful negotiation can make a significant impact on hourly rates, especially in Moreno Valley’s competitive job market.
More salary data for Moreno Valley, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Moreno Valley in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Moreno Valley?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Moreno Valley paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Moreno Valley?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Moreno Valley?
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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 Moreno Valley. 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 Moreno Valley 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