Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Santa Maria, CA: $29.67 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Santa Maria, CA runs $29.67 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $61,707 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Santa Maria's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.8, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $27.27 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,024 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Santa Maria, California, veterinary technologists and technicians can expect a median hourly pay of $29.67, which is significantly higher than the national median of $24.03. This advantageous hourly rate allows for diverse working opportunities, making it appealing for part-time employees who might opt for a three-day workweek, where they would focus on gaining valuable experience in various settings such as general practice, specialty hospitals, and even zoo medical units. Entry-level technicians might see starting rates around $24.75, while seasoned professionals in specialized roles could earn up to $36.07. The official Bureau of Labor Statistics data from 2025 reflects this promising landscape, indicating that this sector continues to attract interest and investment.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $24.75 | $198.00 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.06 | $200.45 |
| Median (P50) | $29.67 | $237.33 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $31.59 | $252.69 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $36.07 | $288.56 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Santa Maria
Based on $29.67/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.67/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Santa Maria, CA can expect to earn approximately $61,707 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,600. With a cost-of-living index of 108.80 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Santa Maria.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Santa Maria
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,186.66 | $5,142 | $61,707 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $712.00 | $3,085 | $37,024 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $474.67 | $2,057 | $24,683 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Santa Maria) | $29.67 |
| 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 Maria, CA earn a median of $61,707 per year (2026 est.), which is 23.45% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 1.50% below the California state average of $62,647.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.67/hr = $37,024/year (purchasing power: $34,030).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $61,707/year (purchasing power: $56,717).
CoL index: 108.798 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$19.33/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.12/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.67/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+61.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Santa Maria (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $19.33/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $19.72/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.11/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.18/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.67/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.64/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.12/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.67/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.30/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Santa Maria grew 45.5% from $19.33/hr (2019) to $28.12/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.30/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 Maria 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 Maria
For those considering part-time or per-diem work as veterinary technologists and technicians in Santa Maria, the income potential can vary significantly based on shifts and employer types. A veterinary tech working three days a week can still earn a stable income—taking home an estimated $46,500 annually while juggling other commitments. Per-diem positions often pay between $25-$40 hourly and present an attractive option for many who seek flexibility in their careers. In specialty roles, such as those requiring Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) credentials, hourly earnings can range from $35 to $55. The trade-off between hourly rates and benefits is evident; some may favor higher hourly rates with no benefits, while others may prioritize stability and health insurance that comes from corporate practices. When negotiating pay, it is crucial to highlight specialized skills and certifications, as many Santa Maria employers are aware of the current workforce shortages and the competitive market for veterinary care professionals.
More salary data for Santa Maria, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Santa Maria in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Santa Maria?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Santa Maria paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Santa Maria?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Santa Maria?
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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 Maria. 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