Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in San Clemente, CA: $29.94 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in San Clemente, CA runs $29.94 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $62,279 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against San Clemente's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $26.47 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,366 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, veterinary technologists and technicians in San Clemente, California, are projected to earn a median hourly rate of $29.94, which is substantially higher than the national hourly median of $24.03. This rate reflects the increased demand for veterinary professionals in the region and the higher cost of living, making the profession more lucrative for both full-time and part-time workers. For those working three days per week, the pay scales from entry-level positions typically starting at around $21.67 to more experienced roles reaching up to $40.92. As veterinary technologists and technicians can find opportunities across various environments—such as general practice clinics, specialty hospitals, university teaching hospitals, and even zoo medical units—these hourly rates can vary based on the specific demands and responsibilities of each role.
About the San Clemente 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) | $21.67 | $173.36 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.86 | $198.85 |
| Median (P50) | $29.94 | $239.53 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37.23 | $297.85 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $40.92 | $327.39 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in San Clemente
Based on $29.94/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.94/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in San Clemente, CA can expect to earn approximately $62,277 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,929. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in San Clemente.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in San Clemente
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,197.64 | $5,190 | $62,277 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $718.58 | $3,114 | $37,366 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $479.05 | $2,076 | $24,911 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (San Clemente) | $29.94 |
| 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 Clemente, CA earn a median of $62,279 per year (2026 est.), which is 24.59% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 0.60% below the California state average of $62,655.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.94/hr = $37,366/year (purchasing power: $33,038).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $62,277/year (purchasing power: $55,064).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$21.16/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.38/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.94/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in San Clemente (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.16/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.72/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.07/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.91/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.20/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.12/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.38/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.94/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.59/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in San Clemente grew 34.1% from $21.16/hr (2019) to $28.38/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.59/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 Clemente 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 Clemente
The earning potential looks different for part-time and per-diem workers in this profession. A veterinary technologist and technician working 24 hours a week might take home about $46,400 annually, which shows a significant difference relative to full-time counterparts. Per-diem veterinary technologists and technicians often experience variability in pay rates, typically charging between $25-$40 per hour, while those with veterinary technology specialty (VTS) credentials can reach $35-$55 per hour depending on the specialty. Furthermore, weekend or overnight shifts at emergency clinics may pay between $30-$50 an hour, particularly in areas facing staff shortages. Employers vary widely in their compensation structures, with corporate chains often providing lower hourly rates but compensating with benefits like health insurance, while specialty referrals or research labs may offer higher pay with fewer benefits. For those seeking to negotiate their hourly pay in San Clemente, it's crucial to understand the local market rates, highlight specialized certifications, and be prepared to discuss the value they bring to the practice.
More salary data for San Clemente, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in San Clemente in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in San Clemente?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in San Clemente paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in San Clemente?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in San Clemente?
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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 Clemente. 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 Clemente 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