Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Santa Monica, CA: $30.43 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Santa Monica, CA runs $30.43 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $63,296 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Santa Monica's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $26.90 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,972 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Veterinary technologists and technicians in Santa Monica, CA, can expect a median hourly rate of $30.43, which significantly surpasses the national median of $24.03. This advantageous pay scale provides individuals working in various settings, including general practice treatment areas, specialty hospital ICUs, and university teaching hospitals, with a competitive income. For those opting for part-time work, such as a typical 3-day workweek, they could earn approximately $1,464 weekly based on this hourly rate. The hourly rate spans from $22.82 for entry-level positions to $39.54 for experienced professionals, allowing for a substantial earning potential relative to many other entry-level jobs in the region. Working as a per-diem veterinary technologist and technician practically allows individuals to take advantage of these rates while maintaining flexibility in their schedules.
About the Santa Monica 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) | $22.82 | $182.56 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.70 | $197.58 |
| Median (P50) | $30.43 | $243.41 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36.61 | $292.87 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $39.54 | $316.33 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Santa Monica
Based on $30.43/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.43/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Santa Monica, CA can expect to earn approximately $63,286 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,511. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Santa Monica.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Santa Monica
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,217.05 | $5,274 | $63,286 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $730.23 | $3,164 | $37,972 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $486.82 | $2,110 | $25,315 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Santa Monica) | $30.43 |
| 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 Monica, CA earn a median of $63,296 per year (2026 est.), which is 26.63% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 1.10% above the California state average of $62,607.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.43/hr = $37,972/year (purchasing power: $33,574).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $63,286/year (purchasing power: $55,956).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$21.50/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.84/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.43/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Santa Monica (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.50/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.07/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.43/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.28/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.62/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.58/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.84/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.43/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.10/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Santa Monica grew 34.1% from $21.50/hr (2019) to $28.84/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.10/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 Monica 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 Monica
Pursuing part-time or per-diem positions offers unique financial ramifications, especially for those committing to just three days a week. Earning nearly $38,304 annually allows for a relatively secure lifestyle in Santa Monica, although it pales compared to a full-time salary. Many per-diem veterinary technologists and technicians in the area may command hourly rates between $25 and $40, and those with VTS specialty credentials can earn as much as $55. Employment settings significantly influence pay; general practice clinics generally offer lower rates compared to specialty referral hospitals or corporate chains, where pay structures may more closely align with increased living costs. However, some professionals might prefer higher salaries without benefits while others might accept lower hourly pay in return for better health insurance packages. For those negotiating their pay in Santa Monica, emphasizing relevant certifications and specialized skills can significantly impact compensation discussions, providing leverage in a competitive market experiencing a notable vet tech workforce shortage.
More salary data for Santa Monica, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Santa Monica in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Santa Monica?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Santa Monica paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Santa Monica?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Santa Monica?
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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 Monica. 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 Monica 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