Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Santa Rosa, CA: $31.42 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Santa Rosa, CA runs $31.42 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $65,347 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Santa Rosa's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.8, 8% above national), each hour of work buys what $29.15 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $39,210 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Santa Rosa, California, veterinary technologists and technicians earn a median hourly rate of $31.42, significantly higher than the national median of $24.03. This robust compensation reflects the local cost of living and the increasing demand for skilled professionals in the veterinary field. For part-time workers committed to a typical schedule of three days a week, this rate allows for a substantial income, translating to approximately $1,249 in weekly earnings for those working 24 hours. Moreover, the hourly range for this occupation spans from $23.22 at the entry level to $37.68 for top earners, opening pathways for those starting in general practice treatment areas, specialty hospital ICUs, university clinics, and even pharmaceutical research animal facilities. This data, derived from 2025 BLS OEWS data and projected to 2026, affirms the opportunities available in Santa Rosa's veterinary landscape.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $23.22 | $185.76 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $29.73 | $237.84 |
| Median (P50) | $31.42 | $251.34 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36.07 | $288.56 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $37.68 | $301.48 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Santa Rosa
Based on $31.42/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.42/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Santa Rosa, CA can expect to earn approximately $65,349 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $37,701. With a cost-of-living index of 107.78 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Santa Rosa.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Santa Rosa
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,256.72 | $5,446 | $65,349 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $754.03 | $3,267 | $39,210 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $502.69 | $2,178 | $26,140 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Santa Rosa) | $31.42 |
| 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 Rosa, CA earn a median of $65,347 per year (2026 est.), which is 30.73% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 4.30% above the California state average of $62,653.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.42/hr = $39,210/year (purchasing power: $36,378).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $65,349/year (purchasing power: $60,630).
CoL index: 107.784 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$18.86/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.78/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.42/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+75.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Santa Rosa (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.86/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.29/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.15/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.63/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.83/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $27.89/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.78/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.42/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $33.15/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Santa Rosa grew 57.9% from $18.86/hr (2019) to $29.78/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $33.15/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 Rosa 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 Rosa
Part-time veterinary technologists and technicians can earn a competitive income while balancing life outside of work. For example, working three days a week at an hourly rate of around $31.42 translates to an annual income of roughly $64,000, highlighting the allure for those who prefer flexible schedules. Per-diem roles also provide lucrative options in Santa Rosa, with pay rates ranging from $25 to $40 per hour for general positions, while VTS-credentialed specialty techs can command between $35 and $55 per hour. Weekend or overnight shifts in emergency services might see hourly wages soaring to $30-$50, reflecting the acute workforce shortage in the veterinary industry. Different employer types, such as corporate chains, specialty hospitals, and research labs, may offer varied compensation packages, often trading higher hourly rates for better benefits. Thus, negotiating effectively is vital, especially considering the local pay-scale dynamics and the influences of corporate consolidation across veterinary services in California.
More salary data for Santa Rosa, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Santa Rosa in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Santa Rosa?
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How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Santa Rosa?
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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 Rosa. 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