Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in San Rafael, CA: $30.54 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in San Rafael, CA runs $30.54 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $63,538 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against San Rafael's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $27.00 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $38,117 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In San Rafael, California, veterinary technologists and technicians command a median hourly rate of $30.54, significantly higher than the national median of $24.03. This difference reflects the specialized skills required for the role, especially in the context of a workforce that has seen elevated pay rates due to increased demand. Part-time positions, often filled by individuals working three days a week, can yield substantial earnings, while per-diem workers in various environments such as specialty hospitals or university clinics can adjust their schedules based on need. The hourly pay ranges from $23.09 for entry-level positions to as high as $39.91 for experienced professionals, allowing for various opportunities within practices ranging from general clinics to high-stakes emergency and specialty care.
About the San Rafael 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) | $23.09 | $184.75 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.94 | $199.52 |
| Median (P50) | $30.54 | $244.34 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36.88 | $295.06 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $39.91 | $319.29 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in San Rafael
Based on $30.54/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.54/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in San Rafael, CA can expect to earn approximately $63,528 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,651. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in San Rafael.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in San Rafael
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,221.69 | $5,294 | $63,528 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $733.01 | $3,176 | $38,117 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $488.68 | $2,118 | $25,411 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (San Rafael) | $30.54 |
| 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 Rafael, CA earn a median of $63,538 per year (2026 est.), which is 27.11% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 1.50% above the California state average of $62,599.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.54/hr = $38,117/year (purchasing power: $33,702).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $63,528/year (purchasing power: $56,170).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$21.58/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.95/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.54/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in San Rafael (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.58/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.16/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.52/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.37/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.73/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.69/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.95/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.54/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.22/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in San Rafael grew 34.1% from $21.58/hr (2019) to $28.95/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.22/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 Rafael 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 Rafael
When considering annual earnings as a part-time veterinary technologist and technician in San Rafael, someone working a typical 24-hour week could expect to take home about $38,631. For those seeking more flexible work arrangements, per-diem positions are often available, with rates typically between $25 to $40 per hour for general technicians. Those with Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) credentials can earn from $35 to $55 per hour, particularly in high-demand specialties like emergency care or surgery. Pay disparities often reflect employer type; corporate veterinary chains or university-affiliated hospitals might offer more comprehensive salary packages that include health benefits, whereas private practices could present higher hourly rates without benefits. As salary negotiations can be tricky, possessing knowledge of market rates and highlighting relevant credentials can strengthen a technician's bargaining position, making it essential to stay informed within the competitive San Rafael job market.
More salary data for San Rafael, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in San Rafael in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in San Rafael?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in San Rafael paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in San Rafael?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in San Rafael?
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 Rafael. 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 Rafael 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