Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in San Bernardino, CA: $29.71 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in San Bernardino, CA runs $29.71 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $61,805 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against San Bernardino's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $26.27 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,077 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With a projected hourly rate of $29.71 for 2026, veterinary technologists and technicians in San Bernardino, California, earn significantly more than their national counterparts, who average $24.03 per hour. This difference can greatly influence part-time and per-diem workers, especially in diverse settings such as general practice treatment areas and specialty hospitals. For those working three days a week, the hourly rate translates into a viable income, allowing for flexibility while still generating a steady paycheck. San Bernardino shows a substantial hourly range, with entry-level professionals earning approximately $20.36 while seasoned experts can take home as much as $42.43 per hour. These estimates come from annual salary data and highlight the significant earning potential in this essential field of animal care.
About the San Bernardino 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) | $20.36 | $162.89 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.59 | $196.74 |
| Median (P50) | $29.71 | $237.67 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36.60 | $292.78 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $42.43 | $339.46 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in San Bernardino
Based on $29.71/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.71/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in San Bernardino, CA can expect to earn approximately $61,794 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,651. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in San Bernardino.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in San Bernardino
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,188.35 | $5,150 | $61,794 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $713.01 | $3,090 | $37,077 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $475.34 | $2,060 | $24,718 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (San Bernardino) | $29.71 |
| 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 San Bernardino, CA earn a median of $61,805 per year (2026 est.), which is 23.64% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 1.30% below the California state average of $62,619.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.71/hr = $37,077/year (purchasing power: $32,782).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $61,794/year (purchasing power: $54,637).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$20.99/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.16/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.71/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in San Bernardino (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.99/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.55/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $21.90/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.73/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.00/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $29.16/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.16/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.71/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.34/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in San Bernardino grew 34.1% from $20.99/hr (2019) to $28.16/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.34/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 San Bernardino 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 San Bernardino
Veterinary technologists and technicians often navigate varied employment scenarios that can impact their earnings. Part-time workers could anticipate an annual income significantly lower than that of their full-time peers, particularly if they average 24 hours a week. Per-diem technicians typically earn between $25 and $40 per hour, presenting an attractive option for those who prefer flexibility. Furthermore, specialists who attain VTS credentials can command fees ranging from $35 to $55 an hour for their expertise, while weekend or overnight emergency coverage often sees rates spike to $30 to $50, especially in markets facing staffing shortages. Hours worked can vary widely across employer types, with general practices, corporate chain hospitals, and specialty referral hospitals offering different pay scales. Some may accept lower hourly rates in exchange for benefits like health insurance, highlighting a common trade-off in the profession. When negotiating pay, being informed about the specific requirements and benefits of different positions can empower veterinary technologists and technicians in San Bernardino to secure favorable terms suited to their career paths.
More salary data for San Bernardino, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in San Bernardino in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in San Bernardino?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in San Bernardino paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in San Bernardino?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in San Bernardino?
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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 San Bernardino. 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 San Bernardino 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