Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in San Mateo, CA: $30.43 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in San Mateo, CA runs $30.43 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $63,289 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against San Mateo's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $26.90 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,972 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In San Mateo, California, the veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay is projected to be $30.43 in 2026, significantly higher than the national median hourly rate of $24.03. This attractive compensation reflects the growing demand for skilled professionals in the veterinary field, particularly in various high-pressure environments like specialty hospitals, teaching institutions, and research facilities. Part-time or per-diem workers, often found in treatment areas within general practices or emergency clinics, can expect to earn between $21.40 and $42.17 per hour, depending on their level of experience and specialization. Entry-level technicians might start at around $21.40, while those with extensive expertise can bring in upwards of $42.17 per hour, making it essential to understand how hourly rates can impact one’s overall earnings, especially for those juggling other commitments.
About the San Mateo 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) | $21.40 | $171.16 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.52 | $204.16 |
| Median (P50) | $30.43 | $243.41 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36.89 | $295.15 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $42.17 | $337.35 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in San Mateo
Based on $30.43/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.43/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in San Mateo, CA can expect to earn approximately $63,286 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,511. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in San Mateo.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in San Mateo
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,217.05 | $5,274 | $63,286 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $730.23 | $3,164 | $37,972 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $486.82 | $2,110 | $25,315 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (San Mateo) | $30.43 |
| 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 Mateo, CA earn a median of $63,289 per year (2026 est.), which is 26.61% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 1.10% above the California state average of $62,601.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.43/hr = $37,972/year (purchasing power: $33,574).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $63,286/year (purchasing power: $55,956).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$21.50/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.84/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.43/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in San Mateo (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 | $22.07/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.43/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.28/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.62/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.58/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.84/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.43/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.10/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in San Mateo grew 34.1% from $21.50/hr (2019) to $28.84/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.10/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 Mateo 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 Mateo
Considering a part-time position as a veterinary technologist and technician can lead to a different financial outlook compared to full-time work. A technician working three days a week might bring home around $47,000 annually, a validation of this profession’s appeal in a flexible employment model that fosters work-life considerations. Per diem veterinary technologist and technician pay in San Mateo also varies significantly; many technicians secure contracts earning between $25 and $40 per hour, while VTS credentialed colleagues in specialty practices can command $35 to $55 an hour, capitalizing on the niche they fill. During peak times like weekends or emergencies, hourly rates may escalate to $30-$50, reflecting the acute demand for qualified staff. Across different employer types—from independent clinics to corporate hospital chains and specialty facilities—hourly pay can fluctuate. Technicians may face decisions between pursuing slightly lower rates with benefits at corporate establishments versus higher, benefit-free rates in more flexible arrangements. Negotiating pay rates, armed with knowledge of the local market dynamics, can be instrumental for those entering this vibrant sector in San Mateo, CA.
More salary data for San Mateo, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in San Mateo in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in San Mateo?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in San Mateo paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in San Mateo?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in San Mateo?
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 Mateo. 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 Mateo 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