Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Norwalk, CA: $29.89 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Norwalk, CA runs $29.89 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $62,166 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Norwalk's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $26.43 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,300 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Norwalk, California, veterinary technologists and technicians are projected to earn a median hourly rate of $29.89 in 2026, which is significantly higher than the national median of $24.03. This favorable pay rate benefits both part-time (those working three days a week) and per-diem workers in diverse settings such as general practices, specialty hospitals, university teaching facilities, and zoo or aquarium medical units. Per-diem professionals often find themselves earning between $22.52 and $40.34 per hour, depending on their experience and specific roles within these environments. Newcomers can expect to start on the lower end of this scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills can command rates at the upper end, making this profession appealing for those who want flexibility in their work schedules.
About the Norwalk 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) | $22.52 | $180.19 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.79 | $190.32 |
| Median (P50) | $29.89 | $239.11 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36.75 | $293.97 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $40.34 | $322.75 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Norwalk
Based on $29.89/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.89/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Norwalk, CA can expect to earn approximately $62,167 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,866. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Norwalk.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Norwalk
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,195.53 | $5,181 | $62,167 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $717.32 | $3,108 | $37,300 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $478.21 | $2,072 | $24,867 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Norwalk) | $29.89 |
| 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 Norwalk, CA earn a median of $62,166 per year (2026 est.), which is 24.37% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 0.70% below the California state average of $62,604.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.89/hr = $37,300/year (purchasing power: $32,980).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $62,167/year (purchasing power: $54,967).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$21.12/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.33/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.89/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Norwalk (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.12/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.68/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.03/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.86/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.15/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.07/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.33/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.89/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.53/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Norwalk grew 34.1% from $21.12/hr (2019) to $28.33/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.53/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 Norwalk 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 Norwalk
In terms of earning potential for part-time veterinary technologists and technicians, working a 24-hour week can yield a take-home income that is still considerable, though less than that of full-time employees. Per-diem options are lucrative, with hourly rates typically ranging from $25 to $40 for general duties, and specialty technicians might earn as much as $35 to $55 per hour depending on their qualifications, such as VTS credentialing in specializations like emergency care or internal medicine. Moreover, hourly pay can vary across different employer types in Norwalk—general practice clinics may offer lower rates, while corporate chains and specialty hospitals often provide more competitive compensation. It's also worth considering the trade-offs between higher hourly pay without benefits and lower rates that come with health insurance plans, which some technicians prefer for financial security. Negotiating pay can be key; understanding your worth based on the local cost of living index and market demand for skilled veterinary staff can create better opportunities during discussions with employers.
More salary data for Norwalk, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Norwalk in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Norwalk?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Norwalk paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Norwalk?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Norwalk?
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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 Norwalk. 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 Norwalk 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