Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Santa Cruz, CA: $31.86 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Santa Cruz, CA runs $31.86 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $66,265 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Santa Cruz's regional price level (BEA RPP 109.9, 10% above national), each hour of work buys what $28.99 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $39,763 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Santa Cruz, California, the veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay is projected to reach $31.86 in 2026, which significantly exceeds the national median of $24.03. This higher wage reflects the specialized knowledge and skills that technicians bring to their roles. For part-time workers typically clocking in three days a week, this hourly rate translates into an attractive earning potential, allowing for flexibility in work-life balance. Additionally, per-diem opportunities in general practice treatment areas, specialty hospital ICU's, and other veterinary settings can vary widely, with the hourly range running from $25.18 for those just entering the field to up to $38.11 for top earners. This data, based on 2025 BLS OEWS data projected to 2026, illustrates the competitive nature of pay among veterinary technologists and technicians in Santa Cruz.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $25.18 | $201.46 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $30.26 | $242.06 |
| Median (P50) | $31.86 | $254.89 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $32.21 | $257.67 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $38.11 | $304.85 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Santa Cruz
Based on $31.86/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.86/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Santa Cruz, CA can expect to earn approximately $66,271 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $38,233. With a cost-of-living index of 109.90 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Santa Cruz.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Santa Cruz
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,274.44 | $5,523 | $66,271 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $764.66 | $3,314 | $39,763 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $509.78 | $2,209 | $26,508 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Santa Cruz) | $31.86 |
| 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 Cruz, CA earn a median of $66,265 per year (2026 est.), which is 32.57% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 5.80% above the California state average of $62,632.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.86/hr = $39,763/year (purchasing power: $36,182).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $66,271/year (purchasing power: $60,303).
CoL index: 109.896 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$22.97/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$30.20/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.86/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+46.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Santa Cruz (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.97/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $24.32/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.89/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.53/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $24.03/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $27.44/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $30.20/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.86/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $33.61/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Santa Cruz grew 31.5% from $22.97/hr (2019) to $30.20/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $33.61/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 Cruz 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 Cruz
For those considering a part-time schedule as a veterinary technologist and technician, working 24 hours per week can yield a substantial income, differing greatly from full-time compensation. While per-diem or agency roles present different financial dynamics—with technicians billing anywhere from $25 to $55 or more, depending on specialization—those options often come without the traditional benefits. General practice clinics, corporate chains, specialty hospitals, and research facilities all influence hourly rates based on the complexity of care provided. While some may opt for lower hourly pay due to accompanying health insurance benefits, the trade-off is a common reality within this profession. It's essential for technicians to negotiate effectively, especially in the saturated market of Santa Cruz, by emphasizing their skills and credentials to command higher rates for short-term assignments or specialty roles.
More salary data for Santa Cruz, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Santa Cruz in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Santa Cruz?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Santa Cruz paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Santa Cruz?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Santa Cruz?
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 Cruz. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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