Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in San Buenaventura, CA: $30.41 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in San Buenaventura, CA runs $30.41 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $63,248 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against San Buenaventura's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $26.88 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,946 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, the veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay in San Buenaventura, CA, is projected to be approximately $30.41, significantly above the national median of $24.03. This competitive hourly rate allows for flexible employment options, making it attractive for part-time workers and per-diem staff. For a veterinary technologist or technician working three days a week, a typical 24-hour schedule could yield approximately $730.00 weekly, translating to a decent monthly income while maintaining a work-life balance. The hourly range spans from $23.64 for entry-level positions to $42.19 for top earners in specialized settings, indicating that experience and specialization directly influence earning potential in areas such as general practice, specialty hospitals, and research facilities.
About the San Buenaventura 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) | $23.64 | $189.14 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.49 | $203.91 |
| Median (P50) | $30.41 | $243.24 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37.99 | $303.92 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $42.19 | $337.52 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in San Buenaventura
Based on $30.41/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.41/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in San Buenaventura, CA can expect to earn approximately $63,243 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,486. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in San Buenaventura.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in San Buenaventura
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,216.20 | $5,270 | $63,243 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $729.72 | $3,162 | $37,946 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $486.48 | $2,108 | $25,297 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (San Buenaventura) | $30.41 |
| 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 Buenaventura, CA earn a median of $63,248 per year (2026 est.), which is 26.53% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 1.00% above the California state average of $62,622.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.41/hr = $37,946/year (purchasing power: $33,550).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $63,243/year (purchasing power: $55,917).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$21.48/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.82/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.41/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in San Buenaventura (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.48/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.06/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.41/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.26/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.61/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.56/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.82/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.41/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.08/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in San Buenaventura grew 34.1% from $21.48/hr (2019) to $28.82/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.08/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 Buenaventura 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 Buenaventura
On the earning front, part-time positions in San Buenaventura enable veterinary technologists and technicians to take home around $38,016 annually, a figure that varies based on the number of hours worked and specific job roles. Per diem opportunities in this field typically see pay rates between $25 and $40 per hour, with specialized VTS-credentialed technicians often reaching $35 to $55 per hour. Positions in high-demand like weekend or overnight emergency coverage can command up to $50 per hour in certain facilities. It's essential to recognize that hourly rates may differ substantially depending on the employer type; corporate hospitals might offer competitive pay but with more stringent benefits, while smaller clinics might provide lower hourly wages but better overall perks. As a result, savvy technicians often negotiate their pay based on the total compensation package, weighing immediate pay against long-term benefits like insurance and retirement plans. Understanding local market dynamics is crucial for navigating salary discussions successfully in San Buenaventura's veterinary sector.
More salary data for San Buenaventura, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in San Buenaventura in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in San Buenaventura?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in San Buenaventura paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in San Buenaventura?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in San Buenaventura?
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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 Buenaventura. 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 Buenaventura 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