Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Stockton, CA: $28.41 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Stockton, CA runs $28.41 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $59,091 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Stockton's regional price level (BEA RPP 105.1, 5% above national), each hour of work buys what $27.04 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,457 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Stockton, California, the veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay is projected to reach a median rate of $28.41 in 2026, which notably exceeds the national median of $24.03. This higher hourly rate reflects the unique challenges and demands of the profession within the region, particularly for those working part-time in diverse settings such as general practice clinics, specialty hospitals, and educational institutions. For part-time employees scheduled three days a week, this hourly wage translates to a substantial earning potential, while per-diem workers can expect to command rates that vary widely based on experience and specialization. Entry-level positions may start around $23.93, while more seasoned professionals can earn up to $31.57 per hour, underscoring the growth possibilities in veterinary technology roles in Stockton.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $23.93 | $191.42 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.45 | $203.57 |
| Median (P50) | $28.41 | $227.29 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $30.65 | $245.18 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $31.57 | $252.52 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Stockton
Based on $28.41/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.41/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Stockton, CA can expect to earn approximately $59,095 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,093. With a cost-of-living index of 105.09 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Stockton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Stockton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,136.45 | $4,925 | $59,095 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $681.87 | $2,955 | $35,457 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $454.58 | $1,970 | $23,638 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Stockton) | $28.41 |
| 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 Stockton, CA earn a median of $59,091 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.22% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 5.60% below the California state average of $62,596.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.41/hr = $35,457/year (purchasing power: $33,740).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $59,095/year (purchasing power: $56,233).
CoL index: 105.089 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$17.93/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$26.93/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.41/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+67.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Stockton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.93/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.40/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.23/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.36/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.62/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.32/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $26.93/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.41/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.97/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Stockton grew 50.2% from $17.93/hr (2019) to $26.93/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.97/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 Stockton 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 Stockton
Looking at the practical implications, a veterinary technologist and technician working a three-day week schedule could bring in a significant income while enjoying a balanced work-life schedule. Those considering per-diem options in Stockton can find varied opportunities to enhance their earning potential; for instance, per diem rates may fall between $25 and $40, while VTS-credentialed specialists frequently earn $35 to $55 per hour. Those seeking weekend or overnight shifts at emergency clinics could command even higher rates ranging from $30 to $50 per hour due to acute workforce shortages. Additionally, salaries differ by employer type, reflecting higher compensation in specialty hospitals compared to general practice. While some may opt for positions offering lower hourly rates in exchange for health benefits, those working as independent contractors need to navigate the trade-offs associated with benefits versus higher hourly pay. Potential employees should approach negotiations with a keen understanding of the market specific to Stockton, emphasizing the importance of credentials and experience in securing roles with optimal hourly compensation.
More salary data for Stockton, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Stockton in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Stockton?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Stockton paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Stockton?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Stockton?
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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 Stockton. 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