Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Santa Ana, CA: $31.90 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Santa Ana, CA runs $31.90 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $66,353 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Santa Ana's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $28.21 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $39,815 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Veterinary technologists and technicians in Santa Ana, CA, earn a median hourly rate of $31.90, significantly above the national median of $24.03. This competitive hourly wage open doors for both full-time practitioners and part-time workers in various environments, including general practices, specialty hospitals, and educational institutions. Part-time roles, typically three days a week, can yield substantial financial returns given the hourly pay provided by such positions. The hourly pay range extends from $22.21 for entry-level roles to as much as $43.95 for seasoned professionals, reflecting the diverse opportunities nestled within the veterinary landscape of Santa Ana. These estimates are derived from projected annual salary data for 2026, capturing the dynamic nature of this critical profession.
About the Santa Ana 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) | $22.21 | $177.66 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.82 | $198.59 |
| Median (P50) | $31.90 | $255.23 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $39.57 | $316.58 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $43.95 | $351.61 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Santa Ana
Based on $31.90/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.90/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Santa Ana, CA can expect to earn approximately $66,359 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $38,284. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Santa Ana.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Santa Ana
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,276.13 | $5,530 | $66,359 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $765.68 | $3,318 | $39,815 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $510.45 | $2,212 | $26,543 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Santa Ana) | $31.90 |
| 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 Santa Ana, CA earn a median of $66,353 per year (2026 est.), which is 32.74% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 6.00% above the California state average of $62,597.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.90/hr = $39,815/year (purchasing power: $35,204).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $66,359/year (purchasing power: $58,673).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$22.54/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$30.24/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.90/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Santa Ana (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.54/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.14/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.52/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.41/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.92/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $29.96/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $30.24/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.90/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $33.66/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Santa Ana grew 34.1% from $22.54/hr (2019) to $30.24/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $33.66/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 Santa Ana 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 Santa Ana
For those contemplating part-time work, a veterinary technologist or technician employed three days a week (24 hours) can expect an annual take-home compensation around $49,798, compared to full-time peers. Meanwhile, per diem roles offer flexible work arrangements, with common billing rates ranging from $25-$40 per hour, depending on the complexity of care and expertise required. Highly specialized VTS credential holders typically command rates between $35 and $55 per hour. Additionally, weekend and overnight shifts in emergency care settings might reach $30-$50 per hour, emphasizing a rewarding earning potential amidst a workforce shortage gripping the veterinary sector. Hourly compensation varies notably among employer types; corporate practices, specialty hospitals, and research facilities may all offer different packages, balancing hourly wages against employment benefits like health insurance. Candidates should be savvy negotiators, weighing the trade-offs of hourly pay versus comprehensive benefits when seeking employment opportunities in Santa Ana.
More salary data for Santa Ana, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Santa Ana in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Santa Ana?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Santa Ana paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Santa Ana?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Santa Ana?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in California
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 Santa Ana. 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 Santa Ana 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