Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Sacramento, CA: $30.92 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Sacramento, CA runs $30.92 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $64,323 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Sacramento's regional price level (BEA RPP 106.7, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $28.99 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $38,591 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Sacramento, California, veterinary technologists and technicians can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $30.92, which significantly exceeds the national median of $24.03. This higher pay reflects the cost of living in the area and the growing demand for skilled professionals in veterinary settings, ranging from general practice clinics to specialty hospitals and pharmaceutical research labs. For part-time workers, such as those employed three days a week, this hourly rate translates to a respectable income, allowing flexibility in their schedules. Per-diem workers, often engaged in temporary or short-term roles, can also benefit from this competitive hourly range, with entry-level pay starting at $25.05 and top earners commanding up to $38.52. As these professionals contribute their skills, they find themselves in a market that values their expertise more than what is typically observed across the nation.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $25.05 | $200.37 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $28.60 | $228.81 |
| Median (P50) | $30.92 | $247.38 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $31.83 | $254.63 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $38.52 | $308.14 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Sacramento
Based on $30.92/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.92/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Sacramento, CA can expect to earn approximately $64,318 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $37,106. With a cost-of-living index of 106.67 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Sacramento.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Sacramento
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,236.88 | $5,360 | $64,318 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $742.13 | $3,216 | $38,591 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $494.75 | $2,144 | $25,727 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Sacramento) | $30.92 |
| 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 Sacramento, CA earn a median of $64,323 per year (2026 est.), which is 28.68% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 2.70% above the California state average of $62,632.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.92/hr = $38,591/year (purchasing power: $36,178).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $64,318/year (purchasing power: $60,296).
CoL index: 106.67 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$16.11/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.31/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.92/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+102.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Sacramento (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $16.11/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.64/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.43/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.68/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.64/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $27.94/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.31/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.92/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.62/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Sacramento grew 81.9% from $16.11/hr (2019) to $29.31/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.62/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 Sacramento 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 Sacramento
Considering part-time work, a veterinary technologist or technician in Sacramento working a typical 3-day week (around 24 hours) could bring home approximately $48,418 annually, a significant income compared to full-time professionals, while still enjoying the flexibility. Per diem opportunities present another lucrative avenue, as many in this profession can bill between $25 and $40 per hour, with specialized technicians, especially those holding VTS credentials, earning $35 to $55 hourly. Weekend and overnight shifts in emergency and critical care settings can fetch even higher wages between $30 and $50 per hour, particularly in a market facing staffing shortages. Hourly rates tend to vary by employer type, with general practice and corporate chain hospitals offering different pay scales compared to specialty referral hospitals or research facilities. While some may choose positions that pay less but offer benefits like health insurance, others may prefer higher hourly rates without benefits. When negotiating pay, it’s wise to understand your worth in the Sacramento market and leverage any certifications, such as those from NAVTA or AVMA CVTEA, that enhance your value in the field.
More salary data for Sacramento, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Sacramento in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Sacramento?
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How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Sacramento?
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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 Sacramento. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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