Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in San Francisco, CA: $36.06 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in San Francisco, CA runs $36.06 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $75,000 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against San Francisco's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.6, 16% above national), each hour of work buys what $31.19 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $45,003 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
Veterinary technologists and technicians in San Francisco earn a median hourly rate of $36.06, significantly higher than the national median of $24.03. This impressive wage reflects the acute demand for skilled professionals in the field, especially in areas such as general practice, specialty hospitals, and academic institutions. For those working part-time, say three days a week, this rate translates well into a competitive salary, allowing for a comfortable lifestyle. Meanwhile, entry-level positions start at approximately $27.43 per hour, while experienced technicians can earn up to $40.54 per hour, creating a wide range of earnings based on skills, experience, and the specific environment in which they work.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $27.43 | $219.44 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $30.78 | $246.28 |
| Median (P50) | $36.06 | $288.48 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37.75 | $301.98 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $40.54 | $324.35 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in San Francisco
Based on $36.06/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $36.06/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in San Francisco, CA can expect to earn approximately $75,005 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $43,272. With a cost-of-living index of 115.61 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in San Francisco.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in San Francisco
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,442.40 | $6,250 | $75,005 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $865.44 | $3,750 | $45,003 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $576.96 | $2,500 | $30,002 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (San Francisco) | $36.06 |
| 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 Francisco, CA earn a median of $75,000 per year (2026 est.), which is 50.04% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 19.80% above the California state average of $62,604.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $36.06/hr = $45,003/year (purchasing power: $38,925).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $75,005/year (purchasing power: $64,876).
CoL index: 115.613 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$22.05/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$34.18/hr
2026 Current Est.
$36.06/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+72.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in San Francisco (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.05/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.01/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.46/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $27.76/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.49/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $31.88/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $34.18/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $36.06/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $38.04/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in San Francisco grew 55.0% from $22.05/hr (2019) to $34.18/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $38.04/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 Francisco 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 Francisco
Analysts indicate that part-time veterinary technologists and technicians, working around 24 hours a week, could expect to take home approximately $56,000 annually. This rate may appear attractive, but contrasts starkly with full-time salaries, emphasizing the financial trade-offs associated with part-time roles. For those considering per diem work, pay varies significantly; per diem veterinary technologists and technicians typically earn between $25-$40 per hour, while specialists with VTS credentials make $35-$55 per hour. Coverage in high-demand areas like emergency services can command higher rates, often reaching between $30-$50 in understaffed markets. When comparing positions, those in general practice may receive lower hourly wages but might offer robust health benefits, while corporate entities can provide higher pay but sometimes at the expense of benefits. For San Francisco, the key is to weigh the hourly pay against the benefits offered, especially in a market where positions are consolidating under larger corporate chains. Negotiating pay may involve demonstrating specialized skills or continued education, such as VTS credentialing, to enhance overall compensation.
More salary data for San Francisco, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in San Francisco in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in San Francisco?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in San Francisco paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in San Francisco?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in San Francisco?
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 San Francisco. 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