Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Rialto, CA: $30.66 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Rialto, CA runs $30.66 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $63,780 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Rialto's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $27.11 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $38,262 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Rialto, California, the veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay stands at a median of $30.66, significantly higher than the national median of $24.03. This elevated hourly rate reflects the city's unique cost of living and demand for skilled professionals in animal healthcare. Those working part-time, such as 24 hours a week (or three days), can expect to earn around $28,272 annually, which is a competitive figure for entry-level techs in varied settings, including general practice clinics, specialty hospitals, and research facilities. The hourly pay also varies widely, with entry-level positions starting around $21.97 and experienced technicians earning up to $41.08 per hour. These hourly rates are derived from annual salary projections and highlight the potential for growth within the profession in a city that is home to a number of veterinary practices.
About the Rialto 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) | $21.97 | $175.72 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.18 | $193.44 |
| Median (P50) | $30.66 | $245.27 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37.44 | $299.54 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $41.08 | $328.65 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Rialto
Based on $30.66/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.66/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Rialto, CA can expect to earn approximately $63,769 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,790. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Rialto.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Rialto
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,226.33 | $5,314 | $63,769 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $735.80 | $3,188 | $38,262 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $490.53 | $2,126 | $25,508 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Rialto) | $30.66 |
| 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 Rialto, CA earn a median of $63,780 per year (2026 est.), which is 27.60% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 1.80% above the California state average of $62,652.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.66/hr = $38,262/year (purchasing power: $33,830).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $63,769/year (purchasing power: $56,383).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$21.66/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.06/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.66/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Rialto (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.66/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.24/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.60/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.45/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.83/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.80/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.06/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.66/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.34/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Rialto grew 34.1% from $21.66/hr (2019) to $29.06/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.34/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 Rialto 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 Rialto
The part-time earning potential for veterinary technologists and technicians in Rialto presents a different financial reality when compared to full-time work. Those engaged in per-diem roles can bill fees between $25 and $40 per hour, with specialty roles commanding as much as $35 to $55 for technicians with VTS credentials. Weekend and overnight shifts often provide higher compensation, especially in understaffed emergency hospitals where rates can rise to $30-$50 per hour. Different employer types also influence hourly earnings; general practice clinics may offer lower pay compared to corporate chains like VCA or specialty referral hospitals that can afford to pay premium wages. For many, it’s a trade-off between higher hourly rates and the benefits offered by full-time positions, prompting some to weigh factors such as health insurance when negotiating pay. In a competitive landscape like Rialto’s, understanding local compensation patterns and being prepared to advocate for one's worth are essential for achieving equitable pay in this field.
More salary data for Rialto, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Rialto in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Rialto?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Rialto paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Rialto?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Rialto?
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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 Rialto. 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 Rialto 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