Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Pittsburg, CA: $30.28 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Pittsburg, CA runs $30.28 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $62,969 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Pittsburg's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $26.77 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,788 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Pittsburg, California, the projected hourly pay for veterinary technologists and technicians in 2026 is $30.28, which significantly exceeds the national hourly median of $24.03. This higher wage reflects the urgent need for skilled professionals in a market where part-time and per-diem work is common. For those working three days per week, the potential to earn around $30.28 per hour translates to a viable income in clinical settings ranging from general practice to specialty hospitals and research facilities. With hourly rates varying from $22.34 for entry-level positions to as high as $40.21 for experienced technicians, there is a distinct financial advantage for veterinary professionals developing their skills and potentially pursuing VTS certification to increase their earning capacity.
About the Pittsburg 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) | $22.34 | $178.76 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.38 | $195.05 |
| Median (P50) | $30.28 | $242.23 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36.87 | $294.98 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $40.21 | $321.65 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Pittsburg
Based on $30.28/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.28/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Pittsburg, CA can expect to earn approximately $62,979 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,334. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Pittsburg.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Pittsburg
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,211.14 | $5,248 | $62,979 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $726.68 | $3,149 | $37,788 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $484.46 | $2,099 | $25,192 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Pittsburg) | $30.28 |
| 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 Pittsburg, CA earn a median of $62,969 per year (2026 est.), which is 25.97% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 0.50% above the California state average of $62,655.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.28/hr = $37,788/year (purchasing power: $33,411).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $62,979/year (purchasing power: $55,685).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$21.39/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.70/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.28/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Pittsburg (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 | $22.32/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.16/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.50/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.43/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.70/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.28/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.94/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Pittsburg grew 34.1% from $21.39/hr (2019) to $28.70/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.94/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 Pittsburg 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 Pittsburg
For part-time veterinary technologists and technicians working 24-hour weeks, annual earnings can be approximately $37,000, which is a significant but lower figure compared to full-time salaries. In the context of per-diem work, rates for veterinary technicians typically range from $25 to $40 per hour, with those holding specialty credentials earning between $35 and $55 per hour. The demand for weekend or overnight coverage is high, and hospitals facing staffing shortages may offer rates from $30 to $50 per hour, further complicating the pay scale dynamics in Pittsburg. Variability also exists depending on the employer type; corporate chain hospitals, specialty referral hospitals, and zoos often have different compensation structures, sometimes sacrificing higher hourly rates for benefits such as health insurance. It’s crucial for veterinary professionals in Pittsburg to negotiate based on their specific circumstances, understanding that many choose slightly lower hourly pay for the stability that benefits can provide.
More salary data for Pittsburg, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Pittsburg in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Pittsburg?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Pittsburg paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Pittsburg?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Pittsburg?
Related Pages
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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 Pittsburg. 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 Pittsburg 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