Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Salinas, CA: $31.11 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Salinas, CA runs $31.11 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $64,703 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Salinas's regional price level (BEA RPP 109.0, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $28.53 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $38,828 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, the veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay in Salinas, California is projected to reach a median rate of $31.11 per hour. This figure surpasses the national hourly median of $24.03, representing a significant premium for veterinary professionals in the local area. This robust hourly rate offers enticing possibilities for part-time or per-diem workers who typically operate in settings such as general practice treatment areas, specialty hospital ICU wards, university clinics, and animal-related research facilities. With an hourly range from $25.17 at the 10th percentile to $38.50 at the 90th percentile, there is potential for employees to find positions that align with their desired compensation levels, regardless of their skill set or experience.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $25.17 | $201.38 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.25 | $209.99 |
| Median (P50) | $31.11 | $248.90 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $32.34 | $258.69 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $38.50 | $307.98 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Salinas
Based on $31.11/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.11/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Salinas, CA can expect to earn approximately $64,713 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $37,334. With a cost-of-living index of 109.04 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Salinas.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Salinas
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,244.48 | $5,393 | $64,713 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $746.69 | $3,236 | $38,828 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $497.79 | $2,157 | $25,885 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Salinas) | $31.11 |
| 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 Salinas, CA earn a median of $64,703 per year (2026 est.), which is 29.44% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 3.30% above the California state average of $62,636.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.11/hr = $38,828/year (purchasing power: $35,608).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $64,713/year (purchasing power: $59,347).
CoL index: 109.042 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$21.06/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.49/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.11/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+55.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Salinas (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.06/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.49/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.23/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.46/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.84/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $26.92/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.49/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.11/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.82/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Salinas grew 40.0% from $21.06/hr (2019) to $29.49/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.82/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 Salinas 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 Salinas
For veterinary technologists and technicians opting for part-time work, particularly those scheduling just three days a week, the financial outcome can still be substantial. A 24-hour week at $31.11 per hour nets approximately $39,000 annually, showcasing the appeal of flexible work arrangements. Per diem positions also reflect variable earning potential; these professionals commonly bill anywhere from $25 to $40 per hour. Specialty technicians, particularly those with Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) credentials, command higher rates, ranging from $35-$55. Various employer types in Salinas also influence pay structures, with general practice vets at one spectrum and specialized facilities at the other. Though some positions provide lower hourly wages, they might include benefits such as health insurance, making employees assess their own financial needs versus the benefits offered. For those considering negotiation, emphasizing certifications or unique skills can enhance hourly pay prospects, especially in a market that continues to evolve due to workforce shortages.
More salary data for Salinas, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Salinas in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Salinas?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Salinas paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Salinas?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Salinas?
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 Salinas. 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