Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Santee, CA: $30.32 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Santee, CA runs $30.32 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $63,063 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Santee's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $26.81 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,840 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Santee, California, veterinary technologists and technicians earn a median hourly pay of $30.32, significantly higher than the national average of $24.03. This attractive rate reflects the ongoing demand for skilled professionals in various settings, including general practice treatment areas, specialty hospital ICU units, university teaching clinics, and pharmaceutical research environments. For those working part-time, such as on a three-day-a-week schedule, this hourly wage allows for a decent income while maintaining flexibility. Entry-level technicians can expect to earn around $22.58 per hour, while top earners in the field may command up to $39.25 per hour. These figures, derived from annual salary estimates, highlight the competitive nature of the market in Santee for this vital healthcare role.
About the Santee 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) | $22.58 | $180.62 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.47 | $195.72 |
| Median (P50) | $30.32 | $242.57 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36.98 | $295.82 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $39.25 | $313.97 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Santee
Based on $30.32/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.32/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Santee, CA can expect to earn approximately $63,067 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,385. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Santee.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Santee
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,212.83 | $5,256 | $63,067 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $727.70 | $3,153 | $37,840 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $485.13 | $2,102 | $25,227 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Santee) | $30.32 |
| 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 Santee, CA earn a median of $63,063 per year (2026 est.), which is 26.16% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 0.70% above the California state average of $62,624.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.32/hr = $37,840/year (purchasing power: $33,457).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $63,067/year (purchasing power: $55,762).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$21.42/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.74/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.32/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Santee (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.42/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.99/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.35/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.20/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.53/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.47/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.74/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.32/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.99/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Santee grew 34.1% from $21.42/hr (2019) to $28.74/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.99/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 Santee 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 Santee
Working part-time as a veterinary technologist or technician can yield a sensible income, even when compared to full-time roles. A technician working 24 hours a week at the median hourly rate would take home a salary that still supports a reasonable lifestyle; however, it pales in comparison to the earning potential of their full-time counterparts. The per-diem market in Santee offers varied pay rates as well; many per diem veterinary technologists and technicians range from $25 to $40 per hour, while those with specialty credentials such as VTS can bill rates between $35 and $55 per hour. Additionally, weekend and overnight shifts in emergency situations often command higher hourly rates, from $30 to $50. Different employer types influence pay grades; general practices typically offer lower rates than corporate chain hospitals and specialty referral facilities. Some technicians may opt for slightly lower hourly wages in exchange for benefits, such as health insurance. Negotiating pay can also depend on the facility's staffing needs and the applicant's qualifications, making experience and specialty credentials vital in securing better hourly pay in Santee.
More salary data for Santee, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Santee in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Santee?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Santee paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Santee?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Santee?
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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 Santee. 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 Santee 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