Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Pleasanton, CA: $30.38 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Pleasanton, CA runs $30.38 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $63,197 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Pleasanton's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $26.86 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,919 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Pleasanton, California, veterinary technologists and technicians earn a median hourly rate of $30.38, notably higher than the national hourly median of $24.03. This discrepancy highlights the competitive nature of the profession in the region, particularly in settings like general practice treatment areas and specialized healthcare environments such as emergency and critical care facilities. For those working part-time, specifically three days a week, this hourly pay facilitates a sustainable income, while per diem roles can vary widely, offering flexibility. The hourly wage spectrum ranges from $22.74 for entry-level positions to $40.49 for experienced professionals, reflecting the skill set and responsibilities expected in different veterinary contexts. These estimates are derived from projected annual salary data but provide a clear insight into the pay landscape for hourly workers in this field.
About the Pleasanton 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) | $24.60 | $196.82 |
| Median (P50) | $30.38 | $243.07 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37.18 | $297.43 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $40.49 | $323.93 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Pleasanton
Based on $30.38/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.38/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Pleasanton, CA can expect to earn approximately $63,199 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,461. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Pleasanton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Pleasanton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,215.36 | $5,267 | $63,199 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $729.22 | $3,160 | $37,919 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $486.14 | $2,107 | $25,279 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Pleasanton) | $30.38 |
| 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 Pleasanton, CA earn a median of $63,197 per year (2026 est.), which is 26.43% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 0.90% above the California state average of $62,633.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.38/hr = $37,919/year (purchasing power: $33,527).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $63,199/year (purchasing power: $55,879).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$21.47/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.80/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.38/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Pleasanton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.47/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.04/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.40/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.24/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.59/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.53/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.80/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.38/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.06/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Pleasanton grew 34.1% from $21.47/hr (2019) to $28.80/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.06/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 Pleasanton 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 Pleasanton
Evaluating the financial implications of part-time work in this sector reveals that a veterinary technologist and technician working 24 hours per week may earn substantially less over a year compared to their full-time counterparts. While many part-time workers appreciate the flexibility, this arrangement can lead to a lower annual income. On the other hand, per diem veterinary technologists and technicians often command hourly bills between $25 and $40, with VTS-credentialed specialty technicians potentially earning $35 to $55 per hour. In shortage markets, weekend and overnight emergency coverage can push hourly rates even higher, ranging from $30 to $50. Employers vary widely, with corporate chain hospitals and specialty referral centers typically offering different pay scales. Many technicians may choose facilities that provide health insurance even if it means accepting a lower hourly rate, valuing benefits over raw pay. For those negotiating their pay in Pleasanton, it’s important to research average rates specific to the type of facility, emphasizing skills and any specialty credentials when discussing compensation.
More salary data for Pleasanton, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Pleasanton in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Pleasanton?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Pleasanton paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Pleasanton?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Pleasanton?
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 Pleasanton. 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 Pleasanton 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