Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Santa Clara, CA: $34.70 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Santa Clara, CA runs $34.70 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $72,170 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Santa Clara's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $30.68 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $43,304 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Santa Clara, veterinary technologists and technicians can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $34.70, significantly higher than the national hourly median of $24.03. This elevated pay scale reflects the increased demand for such professionals in various settings, including general practice clinics, specialty hospital ICUs, university teaching hospitals, and even pharmaceutical research facilities. For those considering part-time roles, working three days a week typically yields about $2,000 to $2,300 monthly before taxes, depending on exact hours and duties. The hourly pay ranges from $25.31 at the entry level to $45.79 at the top earnings tier, illustrating the potential for competitive income as one advances through roles or gains specialized skills.
About the Santa Clara 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) | $25.31 | $202.48 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $29.02 | $232.18 |
| Median (P50) | $34.70 | $277.59 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $41.96 | $335.66 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $45.79 | $366.30 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Santa Clara
Based on $34.70/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $34.70/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Santa Clara, CA can expect to earn approximately $72,174 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $41,639. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Santa Clara.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Santa Clara
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,387.96 | $6,014 | $72,174 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $832.77 | $3,609 | $43,304 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $555.18 | $2,406 | $28,870 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Santa Clara) | $34.70 |
| 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 Clara, CA earn a median of $72,170 per year (2026 est.), which is 44.38% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 15.20% above the California state average of $62,648.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $34.70/hr = $43,304/year (purchasing power: $38,288).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $72,174/year (purchasing power: $63,814).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$24.52/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$32.89/hr
2026 Current Est.
$34.70/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Santa Clara (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24.52/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $25.17/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $25.58/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.55/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $30.36/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $29.04/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $32.89/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $34.70/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $36.61/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Santa Clara grew 34.1% from $24.52/hr (2019) to $32.89/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $36.61/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 Clara 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 Clara
Part-time veterinary technologists and technicians in Santa Clara can effectively manage their finances with a strategic work schedule, earning considerably more than their counterparts might in other states. A typical part-time employee, working around 24 hours weekly, may find their annual income offers a comfortable lifestyle, especially in a region where the cost of living aligns with these hourly wages. For per-diem roles, rates can vary from $25 to $40 per hour, particularly for those without benefits. Specialty veterinary technicians holding VTS credentials often command between $35 and $55 per hour, while night and weekend shifts in emergency facilities might offer $30 to $50 per hour due to staffing shortages. However, many professionals weigh their desire for higher hourly wages against the stability that employer-sponsored benefits provide. When discussing pay, negotiating factors such as experience, specialization, and the type of facility can make a significant difference in securing a favorable compensation rate in this competitive environment.
More salary data for Santa Clara, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Santa Clara in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Santa Clara?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Santa Clara paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Santa Clara?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Santa Clara?
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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 Santa Clara. 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 Clara 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