Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Murrieta, CA: $30.05 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Murrieta, CA runs $30.05 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $62,495 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Murrieta's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $26.57 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,498 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Veterinary technologists and technicians in Murrieta, California, earn a median hourly rate of $30.05, significantly surpassing the national median of $24.03. This competitive pay reflects the increasing demand for skilled professionals in veterinary practices, especially as the industry grapples with a workforce shortage. For part-time workers, those committed to three days a week may expect to generate around $1,350 weekly before tax, making this field attractive not only for full-time practitioners but also for individuals seeking flexible schedules in various environments like general practice clinics, specialty hospitals, or even pharmaceutical research. The pay scale in Murrieta varies widely, with entry-level positions commanding approximately $22.93 per hour, while experienced technicians at the top of their game can earn up to $40.87, reflecting their expertise and the specialized nature of their roles.
About the Murrieta 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) | $22.93 | $183.40 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.75 | $198.00 |
| Median (P50) | $30.05 | $240.37 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37.82 | $302.57 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $40.87 | $326.97 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Murrieta
Based on $30.05/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.05/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Murrieta, CA can expect to earn approximately $62,497 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,056. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Murrieta.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Murrieta
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,201.86 | $5,208 | $62,497 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $721.11 | $3,125 | $37,498 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $480.74 | $2,083 | $24,999 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Murrieta) | $30.05 |
| 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 Murrieta, CA earn a median of $62,495 per year (2026 est.), which is 25.03% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 0.20% below the California state average of $62,620.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.05/hr = $37,498/year (purchasing power: $33,155).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $62,497/year (purchasing power: $55,258).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$21.23/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.48/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.05/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Murrieta (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.23/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.80/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.15/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.99/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.29/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.22/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.48/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.05/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.70/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Murrieta grew 34.1% from $21.23/hr (2019) to $28.48/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.70/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 Murrieta 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 Murrieta
Part-time veterinary technologists and technicians working 24 hours a week will take home roughly $41,804 annually, which can provide a stable living depending on their lifestyle and financial commitments. In contrast, per-diem roles can offer significantly higher earnings, where professionals commonly bill at rates ranging from $25 to $40 per hour. For those who are specialized and hold VTS credentials, earnings can soar to between $35 and $55 per hour, with weekend or overnight ER coverage often commanding $30 to $50 per hour, especially in shortage markets like Murrieta. Hourly rates will also depend on an individual's employer type; for instance, corporate chain hospitals may offer different pay scales compared to independent community clinics or university teaching hospitals. Additionally, some professionals may choose lower hourly rates that come with health benefits, reflecting the ongoing trade-off between immediate pay and long-term security. Clever negotiation can also be a strategic advantage in this job market, emphasizing the value of specialized credentials or unique experiences relevant to potential employers in the area.
More salary data for Murrieta, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Murrieta in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Murrieta?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Murrieta paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Murrieta?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Murrieta?
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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 Murrieta. 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 Murrieta 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