Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Novato, CA: $30.27 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Novato, CA runs $30.27 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $62,949 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Novato's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $26.76 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,774 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Veterinary technologists and technicians in Novato, CA, receive a median hourly rate of $30.27, significantly higher than the national hourly median of $24.03. This competitive pay reflects the region's demand for skilled professionals and addresses the veterinary technician workforce shortage that has grown in recent years. For those working part-time, such as three days per week, this hourly rate translates to a solid income in varied clinical settings, from general veterinary clinics to high-pressure specialty hospitals and teaching institutions. The hourly wage range in Novato spans from $22.42 for entry-level positions to $38.99 for seasoned professionals, giving both new and experienced technicians ample opportunities within the field.
About the Novato 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) | $22.42 | $179.35 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.36 | $194.88 |
| Median (P50) | $30.27 | $242.14 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36.21 | $289.66 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $38.99 | $311.94 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Novato
Based on $30.27/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.27/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Novato, CA can expect to earn approximately $62,957 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,322. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Novato.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Novato
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,210.72 | $5,246 | $62,957 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $726.43 | $3,148 | $37,774 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $484.29 | $2,099 | $25,183 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Novato) | $30.27 |
| 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 Novato, CA earn a median of $62,949 per year (2026 est.), which is 25.93% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 0.50% above the California state average of $62,636.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.27/hr = $37,774/year (purchasing power: $33,399).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $62,957/year (purchasing power: $55,665).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$21.39/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.69/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.27/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Novato (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.39/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.96/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.31/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.16/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.49/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.42/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.69/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.27/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.93/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Novato grew 34.1% from $21.39/hr (2019) to $28.69/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.93/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 Novato 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 Novato
When considering part-time work, a veterinary technologist or technician in Novato, working 24 hours a week, could expect to earn around $37,673 annually. This provides a lifestyle that many find appealing, especially in a location with a cost of living index of 113.1. Per-diem and agency veterinary technicians often have additional earning potential, billing at rates between $25 and $40 per hour, while those with Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) certification can command between $35 and $55 an hour. Employers ranging from corporate chain hospitals to specialty clinics may offer different pay scales; decisions often hinge on whether workers prefer higher hourly wages without benefits or slightly lower rates with health insurance. Excellent negotiation skills are vital in this competitive market, especially given the rapid growth rate of 5.50% expected over the next five years.
More salary data for Novato, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Novato in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Novato?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Novato paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Novato?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Novato?
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 Novato. 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 Novato 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