Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Santa Clarita, CA: $30.76 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Santa Clarita, CA runs $30.76 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $63,985 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Santa Clarita's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $27.20 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $38,393 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Santa Clarita, veterinary technologists and technicians can expect a median hourly rate of $30.76, which is significantly higher than the national median of $24.03. This competitive pay reflects the demand for skilled professionals in various settings, including general practice treatment areas, specialty hospitals, and educational clinics. Part-time workers, such as those committing to three days a week, can find that even within this flexible schedule, the hourly rate allows for substantial earnings, accommodating the primary responsibilities that come with the role. For those entering the field or working at the higher end of the pay spectrum, hourly rates range from approximately $22.86 for entry-level positions to $43.41 for experienced professionals in specialized settings, highlighting the varied compensation available based on experience and expertise.
About the Santa Clarita 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) | $22.86 | $182.89 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.12 | $200.96 |
| Median (P50) | $30.76 | $246.11 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $38.70 | $309.58 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $43.41 | $347.31 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Santa Clarita
Based on $30.76/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.76/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Santa Clarita, CA can expect to earn approximately $63,989 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,917. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Santa Clarita.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Santa Clarita
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,230.55 | $5,332 | $63,989 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $738.33 | $3,199 | $38,393 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $492.22 | $2,133 | $25,595 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Santa Clarita) | $30.76 |
| 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 Clarita, CA earn a median of $63,985 per year (2026 est.), which is 28.01% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 2.20% above the California state average of $62,607.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.76/hr = $38,393/year (purchasing power: $33,946).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $63,989/year (purchasing power: $56,577).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$21.74/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.16/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.76/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Santa Clarita (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.74/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.32/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.68/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.53/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.92/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.89/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.16/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.76/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.46/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Santa Clarita grew 34.1% from $21.74/hr (2019) to $29.16/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.46/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 Clarita 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 Clarita
Hourly work arrangements, particularly for those in part-time or per-diem positions, may yield different financial outcomes. A veterinary technologist and technician working 24 hours a week at the median hourly rate can take home a substantial income compared to those opting for full-time positions, which typically come with higher commitments but also more predictable paychecks. In per-diem roles, hourly rates vary significantly; for example, general per diem veterinary technologist and technician pay in Santa Clarita ranges between $25 and $40 per hour, while specialized technicians with Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) credentials can earn $35 to $55. Employers also influence compensation structures. Large corporate veterinary chains may offer lower hourly rates coupled with benefits, while specialty hospitals might provide higher pay without benefits. Therefore, negotiating based on personal priorities—whether it's higher pay or additional benefits—can be critical in this evolving market where a 5.50% growth rate in the field indicates rising demand for skilled veterinary technicians in CA.
More salary data for Santa Clarita, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Santa Clarita in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Santa Clarita?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Santa Clarita paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Santa Clarita?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Santa Clarita?
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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 Clarita. 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 Clarita 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