Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in San Diego, CA: $30.57 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in San Diego, CA runs $30.57 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $63,595 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against San Diego's regional price level (BEA RPP 111.9, 12% above national), each hour of work buys what $27.33 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $38,156 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In San Diego, veterinary technologists and technicians can expect a median hourly pay of $30.57, significantly higher than the national median of $24.03. This robust hourly rate reflects not only the demand for skilled professionals in various settings, including general veterinary practices, specialty hospitals, and university clinics, but also the associated cost of living in California. Entry-level technicians may earn around $24.97 per hour, while experienced professionals can command rates up to $37.84. This wide pay range illustrates the opportunities available for both part-time and per-diem work, allowing technicians the flexibility to tailor their schedules in environments such as emergency animal care and pharmaceutical research facilities. The official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) forecast indicates that the hourly compensation for veterinary technologists and technicians in San Diego positions itself as a competitive advantage within the healthcare sector.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $24.97 | $199.77 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $27.69 | $221.55 |
| Median (P50) | $30.57 | $244.59 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $31.92 | $255.39 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $37.84 | $302.74 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in San Diego
Based on $30.57/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.57/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in San Diego, CA can expect to earn approximately $63,594 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,689. With a cost-of-living index of 111.89 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in San Diego.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in San Diego
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,222.96 | $5,299 | $63,594 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $733.77 | $3,180 | $38,156 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $489.18 | $2,120 | $25,437 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (San Diego) | $30.57 |
| 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 Diego, CA earn a median of $63,595 per year (2026 est.), which is 27.23% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 1.50% above the California state average of $62,656.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.57/hr = $38,156/year (purchasing power: $34,102).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $63,594/year (purchasing power: $56,837).
CoL index: 111.887 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$21.50/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.98/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.57/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+50.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in San Diego (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.50/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.00/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.22/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.31/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.11/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $25.04/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.98/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.57/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.26/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in San Diego grew 34.8% from $21.50/hr (2019) to $28.98/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.26/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 Diego 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 Diego
Part-time veterinary technologists and technicians working three days a week can earn a respectable income, but the contrast with full-time earnings is notable. Those opting for a part-time schedule of 24 hours may take home significantly less annually compared to their full-time counterparts, who benefit from comprehensive pay and benefits packages. For example, per diem veterinary technologist and technician pay in San Diego generally falls within the $25-$40 per hour range, and specialized roles such as Veterinary Technician Specialists (VTS) make even higher hourly rates of $35-$55. Facilities with high demand for overnight or weekend coverage often offer rates from $30 to $50 per hour, reflecting the urgent nature of their needs during staffing shortages. Additionally, the type of employer significantly impacts hourly compensation; corporate chain hospitals and university clinics might provide more stable pay but often at the expense of lower hourly wages compared to specialty or emergency referral hospitals. Negotiating for higher rates versus benefits can be a strategic decision for many, especially as demand continues to grow, suggesting that technicians in San Diego should consider both short-term and long-term benefits when evaluating their pay packages.
More salary data for San Diego, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in San Diego in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in San Diego?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in San Diego paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in San Diego?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in San Diego?
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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 Diego. 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