Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Rancho Cucamonga, CA: $30.52 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Rancho Cucamonga, CA runs $30.52 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $63,481 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Rancho Cucamonga's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $26.99 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $38,090 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With a projected median hourly rate of $30.52 for veterinary technologists and technicians in Rancho Cucamonga, this compensation not only surpasses the national hourly median of $24.03 but signifies the growing recognition of this profession amid an acute workforce shortage. For part-time workers, like those typically employed three days a week, the hourly pay can translate to a comfortable income, even when working less than full-time. Per-diem roles, which are commonly found in various settings such as general practice clinics, emergency care wards, and university teaching hospitals, can range significantly; entry-level technicians might start at around $21.61, while top earners can reach up to $40.51. These hourly rates are estimated from annual salary perspectives, emphasizing the breadth of earning potential across different career stages and environments.
About the Rancho Cucamonga 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) | $21.61 | $172.85 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.71 | $205.68 |
| Median (P50) | $30.52 | $244.17 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37.11 | $296.92 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $40.51 | $324.10 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Rancho Cucamonga
Based on $30.52/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.52/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Rancho Cucamonga, CA can expect to earn approximately $63,484 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,625. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Rancho Cucamonga.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Rancho Cucamonga
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,220.85 | $5,290 | $63,484 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $732.51 | $3,174 | $38,090 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $488.34 | $2,116 | $25,394 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Rancho Cucamonga) | $30.52 |
| 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 Rancho Cucamonga, CA earn a median of $63,481 per year (2026 est.), which is 27.00% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 1.40% above the California state average of $62,605.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.52/hr = $38,090/year (purchasing power: $33,679).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $63,484/year (purchasing power: $56,131).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$21.57/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.93/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.52/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Rancho Cucamonga (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.57/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.14/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.50/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.35/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.71/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.66/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.93/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.52/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.20/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Rancho Cucamonga grew 34.1% from $21.57/hr (2019) to $28.93/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.20/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 Rancho Cucamonga 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 Rancho Cucamonga
Analyzing part-time earning potential reveals that a veterinary technologist and technician working a three-day workweek may take home roughly $38,850 annually, a figure that represents a solid paycheck but still falls behind the full-time annual income. Per-diem or agency technicians often find their pay fluctuating between $25 and $40 per hour, with specialized roles such as Veterinary Technician Specialists (VTS) commanding even higher wages. In a competitive market like Rancho Cucamonga, weekend and overnight shifts are especially lucrative, with ER coverage yielding between $30 and $50 per hour. Employers vary significantly in pay rates; while general practice clinics often offer lower wages, corporate chain hospitals may provide slightly higher compensation with additional benefits. It's beneficial for technicians to weigh these trade-offs carefully, as accepting lower hourly rates may come with health insurance and job security, while higher hourly pay might lack such perks. Negotiation is key; understanding local pay trends and demonstrating specialized training can enhance one’s position when discussing hourly pay.
More salary data for Rancho Cucamonga, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Rancho Cucamonga in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Rancho Cucamonga?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Rancho Cucamonga paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Rancho Cucamonga?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Rancho Cucamonga?
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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 Rancho Cucamonga. 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 Rancho Cucamonga 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