Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Palmdale, CA: $29.92 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Palmdale, CA runs $29.92 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $62,226 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Palmdale's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $26.45 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,340 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, the veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay in Palmdale, CA, stands at a commendable $29.92 per hour, significantly surpassing the national hourly median of $24.03. This competitive hourly rate allows for flexible work arrangements, beneficial for part-time employees working three days a week or per-diem specialists in high-demand settings, such as general practice treatment areas and emergency clinics. Entry-level positions can expect to earn around $22.60 per hour, while seasoned professionals can reach as much as $41.56 per hour depending on their experience and the complexity of the tasks they handle. The range reflects the diverse responsibilities that technicians often undertake across various workplaces, including specialty hospitals and pharmaceutical research facilities. It’s evident that the hourly compensation in Palmdale is aligned with the rising demand for skilled veterinary professionals, addressing the workforce shortage in the region.
About the Palmdale 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) | $22.60 | $180.78 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.50 | $195.98 |
| Median (P50) | $29.92 | $239.36 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37.47 | $299.79 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $41.56 | $332.45 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Palmdale
Based on $29.92/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.92/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Palmdale, CA can expect to earn approximately $62,233 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,904. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Palmdale.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Palmdale
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,196.79 | $5,186 | $62,233 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $718.08 | $3,112 | $37,340 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $478.72 | $2,074 | $24,893 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Palmdale) | $29.92 |
| 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 Palmdale, CA earn a median of $62,226 per year (2026 est.), which is 24.49% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 0.60% below the California state average of $62,602.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.92/hr = $37,340/year (purchasing power: $33,015).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $62,233/year (purchasing power: $55,025).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$21.14/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.36/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.92/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Palmdale (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.14/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.70/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.06/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.89/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.18/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.10/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.36/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.92/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.57/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Palmdale grew 34.1% from $21.14/hr (2019) to $28.36/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.57/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 Palmdale 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 Palmdale
Assessing the financial implications for part-time veterinary technologists and technicians reveals that a three-day work schedule, averaging 24 hours a week, yields a notable annual income. For those balancing their careers with other commitments, this translates to roughly $37,440 per year, while full-time professionals can expect a higher income significantly due to additional hours. Per-diem veterinary technologist and technician pay in Palmdale varies widely; it can range from $25 to $40 per hour for standard shifts, while specialized technicians with VTS credentials might command $35 to $55 per hour. During critical times, such as weekends or overnight shifts, hospitals in shortage markets may offer $30 to $50 per hour to attract necessary staffing. Those employed in corporate or specialty hospitals may receive varying benefits, influencing their choice to accept lower hourly rates for more stable positions with health insurance. For Palmdale job seekers, negotiating for competitive hourly wages should consider their experience level and the specific employer type, whether it is a community clinic or a larger corporate entity, as it significantly impacts their earning potential.
More salary data for Palmdale, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Palmdale in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Palmdale?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Palmdale paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Palmdale?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Palmdale?
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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 Palmdale. 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 Palmdale 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