Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in South Gate, CA: $29.66 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in South Gate, CA runs $29.66 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $61,689 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against South Gate's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $26.22 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,011 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In South Gate, California, the hourly compensation for veterinary technologists and technicians is projected to be $29.66 in 2026, significantly higher than the national hourly median of $24.03. This favorable rate provides opportunities for part-time professionals who might work three days a week or for those taking per-diem positions across various settings including general practice treatment areas, specialty hospital ICU wards, and even pharmaceutical research labs. For entry-level candidates, the hourly pay starts from $23.29, while more experienced technicians can earn up to $40.05 per hour, creating a diverse earning potential that reflects both skill level and work environment.
About the South Gate 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) | $23.29 | $186.36 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.28 | $194.20 |
| Median (P50) | $29.66 | $237.25 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36.51 | $292.11 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $40.05 | $320.38 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in South Gate
Based on $29.66/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.66/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in South Gate, CA can expect to earn approximately $61,685 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,587. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in South Gate.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in South Gate
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,186.24 | $5,140 | $61,685 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $711.75 | $3,084 | $37,011 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $474.50 | $2,056 | $24,674 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (South Gate) | $29.66 |
| 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 South Gate, CA earn a median of $61,689 per year (2026 est.), which is 23.41% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 1.50% below the California state average of $62,628.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.66/hr = $37,011/year (purchasing power: $32,724).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $61,685/year (purchasing power: $54,540).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$20.95/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.11/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.66/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in South Gate (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.95/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.51/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $21.86/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.69/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.95/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $27.85/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.11/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.66/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.29/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in South Gate grew 34.1% from $20.95/hr (2019) to $28.11/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.29/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 South Gate 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 South Gate
When examining the nuances of part-time versus full-time earning potential, a veterinary technologist or technician working a 3-day week can expect to take home approximately $46,000 annually, which allows for a balanced work-life situation. For those considering per-diem work, billing rates typically range from $25 to $40 per hour, and specialized roles can command even more, with veterinary technician specialists earning between $35 and $55 per hour. The pay can vary considerably depending on the type of employer; general practice clinics may offer lower rates, while corporate hospitals and specialty referral centers often provide higher compensation but may also come with fewer benefits. Thus, when evaluating job offers, many may weigh the trade-off between hourly rates and benefits like health insurance, and it’s advisable to negotiate based on local demand given the acute workforce shortage in the veterinary field. This dynamic has led to hourly rates for weekend or overnight shifts reaching as high as $50 in areas experiencing staffing challenges.
More salary data for South Gate, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in South Gate in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in South Gate?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in South Gate paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in South Gate?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in South Gate?
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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 South Gate. 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 South Gate 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