Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Napa, CA: $30.65 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Napa, CA runs $30.65 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $63,733 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Napa's regional price level (BEA RPP 112.6, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $27.23 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $38,248 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Napa, California, the veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay is projected to reach $30.65 by 2026, significantly surpassing the national hourly median of $24.03. This competitive wage makes the profession appealing, especially for part-time workers who may typically schedule three days a week, allowing for substantial income while maintaining flexibility. Per-diem and agency veterinary technologists also find favorable compensation in this area, with entry-level hourly rates starting around $23.27 and top earners reaching up to $37.28. The data, based on 2025 BLS OEWS data and projected to 2026, illustrates a robust salary landscape for those working in diverse environments such as general practice clinics, specialty hospital ICU wards, university clinics, and research facilities focused on animal welfare.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $23.27 | $186.19 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.01 | $208.05 |
| Median (P50) | $30.65 | $245.18 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $32.68 | $261.47 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $37.28 | $298.27 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Napa
Based on $30.65/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.65/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Napa, CA can expect to earn approximately $63,747 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,777. With a cost-of-living index of 112.55 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Napa.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Napa
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,225.91 | $5,312 | $63,747 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $735.55 | $3,187 | $38,248 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $490.36 | $2,125 | $25,499 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Napa) | $30.65 |
| 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 Napa, CA earn a median of $63,733 per year (2026 est.), which is 27.50% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 1.80% above the California state average of $62,606.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.65/hr = $38,248/year (purchasing power: $33,982).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $63,747/year (purchasing power: $56,637).
CoL index: 112.554 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$16.85/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.05/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.65/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+91.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Napa (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $16.85/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.23/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.59/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.14/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.82/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $27.55/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.05/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.65/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.33/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Napa grew 72.4% from $16.85/hr (2019) to $29.05/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.33/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 Napa 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 Napa
Analyzing the earnings potential for part-time workers in Napa reveals that a veterinary technologist and technician working 24 hours a week can expect to take home approximately $38,470 annually, compared to full-time employees who earn significantly more over the year. Per diem veterinary technologist and technician pay in Napa can range from $25 to $40 per hour, with those holding VTS credentials often earning between $35 and $55 per hour. Specialty clinics may offer even higher pay, especially for weekend and overnight shifts due to staffing shortages, where rates can rise to the $30-$50 range. Variability in pay is common across different employer types, with corporate chains, specialty referral hospitals, and educational institutions each having their unique pay structures. While higher hourly rates may attract some, the availability of health insurance and other benefits at certain employers often leads others to prioritize long-term stability over hourly pay. Effective negotiation strategies can help veterinary technologists and technicians secure competitive rates in Napa's evolving job market, especially as the demand for qualified professionals continues to grow.
More salary data for Napa, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Napa in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Napa?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Napa paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Napa?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Napa?
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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 Napa. 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, 4-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