Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Rocklin, CA: $29.50 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Rocklin, CA runs $29.50 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $61,366 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Rocklin's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $26.08 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $36,813 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Rocklin, California, the veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay is forecasted to be $29.50 in 2026, which represents a considerable advantage over the national hourly median of $24.03. This elevated rate can be attractive for part-time workers, such as those employed for three days a week in various settings, including general practice clinics and specialty hospital ICU wards. The hourly wage range also reflects the profession's dynamics; entry-level technicians may earn around $23.04 per hour, while experienced professionals or those in specialized roles can command up to $40.61. These figures are based on projected annual salary data, suggesting that Rocklin provides a favorable environment for veterinary technologists and technicians, particularly in contrast to the lower national averages.
About the Rocklin 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) | $23.04 | $184.33 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.61 | $196.91 |
| Median (P50) | $29.50 | $235.98 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $35.02 | $280.12 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $40.61 | $324.86 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Rocklin
Based on $29.50/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.50/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Rocklin, CA can expect to earn approximately $61,355 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,397. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Rocklin.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Rocklin
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,179.91 | $5,113 | $61,355 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $707.95 | $3,068 | $36,813 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $471.96 | $2,045 | $24,542 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Rocklin) | $29.50 |
| 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 Rocklin, CA earn a median of $61,366 per year (2026 est.), which is 22.77% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 2.00% below the California state average of $62,619.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.50/hr = $36,813/year (purchasing power: $32,549).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $61,355/year (purchasing power: $54,249).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$20.84/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.96/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.50/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Rocklin (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.84/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.40/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $21.75/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.57/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.81/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $27.71/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.96/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.50/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.12/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Rocklin grew 34.1% from $20.84/hr (2019) to $27.96/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.12/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 Rocklin 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 Rocklin
For those considering part-time roles, a veterinary technologist and technician working 24 hours a week can expect to earn significantly less annually compared to a full-time counterpart. Per-diem options offer another layer of income dynamics, where these technicians typically bill between $25 and $40 per hour, while specialized VTS-credentialed positions can command rates of $35 to $55. Weekend and overnight shifts at understaffed facilities can rise to $30 to $50 per hour, reflecting the acute demand within the Rocklin market. Rates can also differ based on the employer type—corporate chain hospitals might provide slightly lower compensation due to their structured pay scales, while specialty hospitals often offer higher rates. While higher hourly wages can be attractive, many technicians opt for positions that offer better benefits, such as health insurance, which may come at a lower pay rate. Understanding these nuances can help local veterinary technologists and technicians negotiate their hourly pay effectively.
More salary data for Rocklin, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Rocklin in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Rocklin?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Rocklin paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Rocklin?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Rocklin?
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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 Rocklin. 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 Rocklin 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