Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Oakland, CA: $36.88 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Oakland, CA runs $36.88 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $76,707 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Oakland's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $32.61 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $46,030 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Oakland, California, veterinary technologists and technicians can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $36.88, significantly higher than the national median of $24.03. This favorable compensation package reflects the demand for skilled professionals in diverse settings, including general practice treatment areas, specialty hospital ICUs, university clinical environments, and even zoos or research facilities. For part-time workers, assuming a typical arrangement of three days per week, the earnings can translate into a substantial income, particularly with hourly wages ranging from $26.47 for entry-level positions to up to $51.97 for top earners. Such rates, derived from projected annual salaries, indicate a robust financial incentive for those in the profession to either engage in full-time roles or pursue more flexible per-diem work, which is becoming increasingly common in the veterinary field.
About the Oakland 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) | $26.47 | $211.76 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $29.29 | $234.29 |
| Median (P50) | $36.88 | $295.06 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $46.35 | $370.77 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $51.97 | $415.75 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Oakland
Based on $36.88/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $36.88/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Oakland, CA can expect to earn approximately $76,716 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $44,259. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Oakland.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Oakland
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,475.31 | $6,393 | $76,716 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $885.19 | $3,836 | $46,030 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $590.12 | $2,557 | $30,686 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Oakland) | $36.88 |
| 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 Oakland, CA earn a median of $76,707 per year (2026 est.), which is 53.46% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 22.50% above the California state average of $62,618.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $36.88/hr = $46,030/year (purchasing power: $40,698).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $76,716/year (purchasing power: $67,830).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$26.06/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$34.96/hr
2026 Current Est.
$36.88/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Oakland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26.06/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $26.75/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $27.19/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $28.22/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $32.27/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $30.36/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $34.96/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $36.88/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $38.91/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Oakland grew 34.1% from $26.06/hr (2019) to $34.96/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $38.91/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 Oakland 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 Oakland
For those considering part-time opportunities in Oakland, the yearly income for a veterinary technologist and technician working 24 hours a week can provide a reasonable living, although it is essential to weigh these earnings against full-time counterparts. Per-diem roles can vary widely; while some veterinary technologists and technicians bill anywhere from $25 to $40 per hour, specialist positions can yield $35 to $55 hourly, especially for VTS credential holders. In high-demand situations, such as weekend or after-hours coverage in emergency clinics, rates can increase to between $30 and $50. Hourly pay can further fluctuate based on employer type, with corporate chains and specialty hospitals often offering more competitive rates than traditional clinics. Those seeking to negotiate their hourly rate should consider the overall benefits package; sometimes, lower hourly compensation is accepted for the security of health insurance, while higher hourly rates might come without such perks. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for maximizing earning potential in Oakland's veterinary sector.
More salary data for Oakland, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Oakland in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Oakland?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Oakland paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Oakland?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Oakland?
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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 Oakland. 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 Oakland 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