Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Redwood City, CA: $29.46 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Redwood City, CA runs $29.46 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $61,258 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Redwood City's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $26.04 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $36,761 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Redwood City, the projected median hourly pay for veterinary technologists and technicians is $29.46, significantly higher than the national hourly median of $24.03. This competitive rate provides opportunities for part-time employees and per-diem workers in various settings, including general practice clinics, specialty hospitals, and even zoo medical units. With an hourly range extending from $22.89 for entry-level positions to $39.26 for highly experienced individuals, those working in Redwood City can expect to earn an above-average income compared to many regions in California. It's important to remember that these hourly rates are estimations derived from annual salary figures, reflecting the growing demand for veterinary professionals in the area.
About the Redwood City 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) | $22.89 | $183.15 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.86 | $190.91 |
| Median (P50) | $29.46 | $235.64 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36.03 | $288.23 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $39.26 | $314.05 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Redwood City
Based on $29.46/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.46/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Redwood City, CA can expect to earn approximately $61,268 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,347. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Redwood City.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Redwood City
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,178.22 | $5,106 | $61,268 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $706.93 | $3,063 | $36,761 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $471.29 | $2,042 | $24,507 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Redwood City) | $29.46 |
| 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 Redwood City, CA earn a median of $61,258 per year (2026 est.), which is 22.55% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 2.20% below the California state average of $62,636.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.46/hr = $36,761/year (purchasing power: $32,503).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $61,268/year (purchasing power: $54,171).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$20.81/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.92/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.46/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Redwood City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.81/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.37/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $21.71/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.53/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.78/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $27.66/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.92/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.46/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.08/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Redwood City grew 34.1% from $20.81/hr (2019) to $27.92/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.08/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 Redwood City 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 Redwood City
Analyzing the earning potential for part-time veterinary technologists and technicians in Redwood City reveals interesting contrasts compared to full-time positions. For instance, working 24 hours per week could yield around $36,000 annually versus a full-time wage, emphasizing the appeal of flexible schedules. Per-diem opportunities are also notable, with rates ranging from $25 to $55 per hour, depending on experience and specialty. Those working in general practices typically earn less than those in corporate chain hospitals or specialty facilities, where higher demands may reflect in better compensation. Many professionals may choose to accept lower hourly rates for stability and health insurance, while others might prioritize higher pay without benefits. Effective negotiation can be pivotal; understanding the local market and utilizing data-based insights can empower veterinary technologists and technicians to advocate for fair compensation tailored to their expertise and work environment in Redwood City.
More salary data for Redwood City, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Redwood City in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Redwood City?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Redwood City paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Redwood City?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Redwood City?
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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 Redwood City. 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 Redwood City 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