Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Ontario, CA: $30.08 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Ontario, CA runs $30.08 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $62,560 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Ontario's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $26.59 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,537 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Veterinary technologists and technicians in Ontario, California, can expect a median hourly rate of $30.08, significantly higher than the national hourly median of $24.03. This rate reflects the local demand for skilled professionals in various settings, including general practice clinics, specialty hospitals, and even zoos and research facilities. The hourly wage can range from $21.79 for entry-level positions to as high as $40.61 for experienced practitioners. For those working part-time, which may typically involve a schedule of three days a week, or those considering per-diem roles, the hourly pay translates into a versatile earning potential catering to multiple personal and professional commitments. The hourly figures presented are derived from estimated annual salaries, allowing for insights into compensation across the spectrum of veterinary technology positions in Ontario.
About the Ontario 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) | $21.79 | $174.29 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.91 | $191.25 |
| Median (P50) | $30.08 | $240.62 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36.91 | $295.32 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $40.61 | $324.86 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Ontario
Based on $30.08/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.08/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Ontario, CA can expect to earn approximately $62,562 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,094. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Ontario.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Ontario
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,203.12 | $5,214 | $62,562 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $721.87 | $3,128 | $37,537 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $481.25 | $2,085 | $25,025 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Ontario) | $30.08 |
| 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 Ontario, CA earn a median of $62,560 per year (2026 est.), which is 25.16% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 0.10% below the California state average of $62,623.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.08/hr = $37,537/year (purchasing power: $33,190).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $62,562/year (purchasing power: $55,316).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$21.25/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.51/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.08/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Ontario (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.25/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.82/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.17/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.01/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.32/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.94/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.51/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.08/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.73/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Ontario grew 34.1% from $21.25/hr (2019) to $28.51/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.73/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 Ontario 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 Ontario
When evaluating part-time working opportunities, an individual putting in 24 hours a week would see effective annual earnings that contrast with full-time counterparts significantly, showcasing the financial ramifications of weekly schedules. Per-diem veterinary technologists and technicians may find their rates ranging from $25 to $40 per hour, while those with specialty certifications typically command even higher pay, sometimes spanning from $35 to $55 per hour. In Ontario, wage variability is influenced by employer types, with general practice clinics often offering lower rates compared to specialized facilities or corporate veterinary chains. Furthermore, some professionals might opt for lower hourly pay in exchange for benefits like health insurance, while others may prioritize higher hourly wages without benefits to maintain flexibility. Effective negotiation strategies for hourly employees can make a difference in securing a suitable pay rate, particularly with ongoing shortages creating numerous opportunities within the field.
More salary data for Ontario, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Ontario in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Ontario?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Ontario paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Ontario?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Ontario?
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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 Ontario. 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 Ontario 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