Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Richmond, CA: $30.68 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Richmond, CA runs $30.68 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $63,811 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Richmond's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $27.13 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $38,288 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Richmond, California, veterinary technologists and technicians earn a median hourly rate of $30.68, significantly higher than the national median of $24.03. This robust hourly pay reflects the area's cost of living and demand for skilled professionals in veterinary settings such as general practice clinics, specialty hospitals, and university teaching facilities. For part-time employees working three days a week, this translates to a potential earning of over $47,000 annually, making Richmond an attractive location for those looking to balance work and personal commitments. The hourly rate for entry-level positions typically starts around $21.88, while seasoned professionals at the higher end of the pay scale can earn upwards of $41.12, showcasing a promising career trajectory for aspiring veterinary technicians and technologists in the region.
About the Richmond 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) | $21.88 | $175.05 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.21 | $193.70 |
| Median (P50) | $30.68 | $245.44 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37.48 | $299.87 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $41.12 | $328.99 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Richmond
Based on $30.68/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.68/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Richmond, CA can expect to earn approximately $63,813 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,815. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Richmond.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Richmond
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,227.18 | $5,318 | $63,813 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $736.31 | $3,191 | $38,288 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $490.87 | $2,127 | $25,525 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Richmond) | $30.68 |
| 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 Richmond, CA earn a median of $63,811 per year (2026 est.), which is 27.66% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 1.90% above the California state average of $62,621.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.68/hr = $38,288/year (purchasing power: $33,853).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $63,813/year (purchasing power: $56,422).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$21.68/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.08/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.68/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Richmond (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.68/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.25/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.62/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.47/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.85/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.81/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.08/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.68/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.37/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Richmond grew 34.1% from $21.68/hr (2019) to $29.08/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.37/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 Richmond 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 Richmond
Evaluating part-time earnings, a veterinary technologist working 24 hours per week could expect to take home approximately $46,488 per year, which is considerably lower than full-time salaries but still offers decent compensation. Per-diem opportunities vary greatly, with rates ranging from $25 to $55 per hour depending on specialization and urgency, particularly in busy veterinary emergency settings. Richmond's diverse employment landscape—including private practices, corporate chain hospitals, and niche facilities such as zoos and pharmaceutical labs—further contributes to the hourly variability in pay. While some veterinary technologists and technicians may choose to accept lower rates for benefits like health insurance, others might prioritize higher pay without benefits for roles that offer greater flexibility. When negotiating for hourly pay in Richmond, professionals should communicate their experience clearly and consider the specific demands of their specialty, given the 5.50% growth rate in this sector, making it crucial to remain informed about the evolving pay trends.
More salary data for Richmond, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Richmond in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Richmond?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Richmond paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Richmond?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Richmond?
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 Richmond. 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 Richmond 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