Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in San Jose, CA: $34.13 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in San Jose, CA runs $34.13 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $70,980 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against San Jose's regional price level (BEA RPP 110.4, 10% above national), each hour of work buys what $30.91 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $42,593 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
Veterinary technologists and technicians in San Jose, California can expect to earn a median hourly pay of $34.13, significantly higher than the national median of $24.03. This premium likely reflects both the cost of living in the area and the ongoing demand for skilled professionals in a competitive job market. For part-time workers, such as those logging typical 3-day work weeks, this translates to a potential earnings of just over $52,000 annually, making the position viable for those seeking flexible hours. Entry-level positions may offer rates starting at $26.74, while experienced technicians in specialized fields can reach up to $39.78 per hour, highlighting a promising career trajectory for veterinary technologists and technicians.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $26.74 | $213.95 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $30.87 | $246.95 |
| Median (P50) | $34.13 | $273.03 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37.91 | $303.25 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $39.78 | $318.27 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in San Jose
Based on $34.13/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $34.13/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in San Jose, CA can expect to earn approximately $70,989 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $40,955. With a cost-of-living index of 110.42 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in San Jose.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in San Jose
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,365.17 | $5,916 | $70,989 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $819.10 | $3,549 | $42,593 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $546.07 | $2,366 | $28,396 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (San Jose) | $34.13 |
| 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 Jose, CA earn a median of $70,980 per year (2026 est.), which is 42.00% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 13.30% above the California state average of $62,648.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $34.13/hr = $42,593/year (purchasing power: $38,573).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $70,989/year (purchasing power: $64,288).
CoL index: 110.423 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$24.26/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$32.35/hr
2026 Current Est.
$34.13/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+48.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in San Jose (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24.26/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $25.88/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $26.49/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $28.21/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.32/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.94/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $32.35/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $34.13/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $36.01/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in San Jose grew 33.3% from $24.26/hr (2019) to $32.35/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $36.01/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 Jose 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 Jose
When considering part-time or per-diem roles, veterinary technologists and technicians can experience diverse earning potentials based on their employment settings in San Jose. Many part-time professionals working 24 hours weekly might find their annual earnings significantly lower than their full-time counterparts. Per-diem veterinary technologist and technician pay in this market fluctuates with demand, with general rates generally billing between $25 and $40 per hour. In specialty areas, such as emergency and critical care, rates can soar to $30-$50 per hour, especially during weekends or night shifts when staff shortages are common. Different employer types also show varying rates; corporate chain hospitals may offer competitive wages but sometimes lack the same benefits compared to specialty hospitals or academic institutions that can afford slightly lower hourly rates in exchange for complete health care packages. When negotiating pay in this market, techs should consider their unique skills, certifications, and market demand to leverage more advantageous hourly rates.
More salary data for San Jose, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in San Jose in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in San Jose?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in San Jose paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in San Jose?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in San Jose?
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 Jose. 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