Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Pasadena, CA: $30.34 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Pasadena, CA runs $30.34 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $63,107 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Pasadena's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $26.83 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,867 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Veterinary technologists and technicians in Pasadena, California earn a median hourly rate of $30.34, which is considerably higher than the national median hourly rate of $24.03. This robust salary reflects the growing recognition of the vital role these professionals play within veterinary practices, from general care settings to specialized facilities like ICUs and university hospitals. For those working part-time, such as three days a week, this rate translates to a solid take-home pay, making the profession appealing for individuals seeking flexibility. Entry-level positions may start around $22.74 per hour, while experienced professionals can command rates up to $41.87, showcasing the potential for growth within this field.
About the Pasadena 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) | $22.74 | $181.88 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.69 | $197.50 |
| Median (P50) | $30.34 | $242.73 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37.87 | $303.00 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $41.87 | $334.98 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Pasadena
Based on $30.34/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.34/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Pasadena, CA can expect to earn approximately $63,111 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,410. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Pasadena.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Pasadena
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,213.67 | $5,259 | $63,111 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $728.20 | $3,156 | $37,867 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $485.47 | $2,104 | $25,244 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Pasadena) | $30.34 |
| 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 Pasadena, CA earn a median of $63,107 per year (2026 est.), which is 26.25% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 0.80% above the California state average of $62,606.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.34/hr = $37,867/year (purchasing power: $33,481).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $63,111/year (purchasing power: $55,801).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$21.44/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.76/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.34/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Pasadena (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.44/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.01/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.37/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.21/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.55/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.49/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.76/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.34/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.01/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Pasadena grew 34.1% from $21.44/hr (2019) to $28.76/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.01/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 Pasadena 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 Pasadena
In terms of annualized earnings, a part-time veterinary technologist and technician working 24 hours a week could take home significant income, yet will still fall short of full-time colleagues earning an annual salary. Per diem arrangements are also common, with pay rates typically ranging from $25 to $40 per hour for general duties, while VTS-certified specialists might command between $35 and $55 per hour for their advanced skills. Coverage shifts during weekends or overnight at emergency clinics often yield higher rates, reflecting the acute workforce shortages that many facilities face. Employers such as corporate chains versus specialty hospitals may offer different hourly rates, which can influence decisions between seeking higher wages without benefits or accepting slightly lower pay in exchange for healthcare and other perks. Negotiating effectively is crucial in Pasadena’s competitive market, where demonstrating value through certifications like VTS can lead to better compensation offers.
More salary data for Pasadena, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Pasadena in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Pasadena?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Pasadena paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Pasadena?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Pasadena?
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 Pasadena. 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 Pasadena 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