Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Simi Valley, CA: $31.10 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Simi Valley, CA runs $31.10 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $64,701 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Simi Valley's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $27.50 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $38,815 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Simi Valley, California, the veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay is projected at $31.10 in 2026, which significantly surpasses the national hourly median of $24.03. This elevated hourly rate reflects the critical demand for skilled professionals in various settings, including general practice clinics, specialty hospitals, and even research facilities focused on pharmaceuticals. For part-time staff working three days a week, such an hourly wage can become particularly advantageous, translating to around $62,220 per year for a typical schedule. Entry-level positions might see hourly wages starting at $22.97, while top earners could make as much as $42.52 per hour, making the field an appealing proposition for both new and seasoned veterinary technologists and technicians seeking flexibility in their work schedule.
About the Simi Valley 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) | $22.97 | $183.74 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.07 | $200.53 |
| Median (P50) | $31.10 | $248.81 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $38.56 | $308.48 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $42.52 | $340.13 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Simi Valley
Based on $31.10/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.10/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Simi Valley, CA can expect to earn approximately $64,691 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $37,322. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Simi Valley.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Simi Valley
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,244.06 | $5,391 | $64,691 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $746.43 | $3,235 | $38,815 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $497.62 | $2,156 | $25,876 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Simi Valley) | $31.10 |
| 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 Simi Valley, CA earn a median of $64,701 per year (2026 est.), which is 29.44% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 3.30% above the California state average of $62,634.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.10/hr = $38,815/year (purchasing power: $34,319).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $64,691/year (purchasing power: $57,198).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$21.98/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.48/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.10/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Simi Valley (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.98/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.56/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.93/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.79/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.22/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $29.21/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.48/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.10/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.81/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Simi Valley grew 34.1% from $21.98/hr (2019) to $29.48/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.81/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 Simi Valley 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 Simi Valley
Taking on part-time roles, a veterinary technologist and technician working 24 hours weekly might earn $31,110 annually, which is a solid income, though it falls short of full-time potential. Per diem positions add another layer of financial opportunity; these professionals can earn between $25 to $40 per hour, while those with VTS credentials may command even more—$35 to $55 per hour—especially in weekend or overnight emergencies. Various employers in Simi Valley can affect pay rates significantly, with general practice clinics and corporate chains often offering lower rates compared to specialized hospitals or pharmaceutical research labs. When weighing options, technicians must consider the balance of benefits and pay; positions that offer health insurance might come with slightly lower hourly rates. For those in the field, negotiating for higher pay becomes essential, particularly in an environment grappling with workforce shortages and rising living costs in the region.
More salary data for Simi Valley, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Simi Valley in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Simi Valley?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Simi Valley paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Simi Valley?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Simi Valley?
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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 Simi Valley. 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 Simi Valley 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