Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Sunnyvale, CA: $34.93 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Sunnyvale, CA runs $34.93 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $72,647 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Sunnyvale's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $30.89 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $43,594 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Sunnyvale, California, the veterinary technologist and technician hourly rate is projected to be $34.93 in 2026, significantly surpassing the national average of $24.03. This competitive pay suggests promising opportunities for both part-time and per-diem workers within various clinical environments. With entry-level positions starting at around $25.85 and experienced professionals earning up to $47.87 per hour, those in the field can take advantage of flexible working arrangements typical in general practice treatment areas, specialty hospitals, and university teaching hospitals. This hourly compensation provides a solid foundation for those seeking part-time work—such as three days a week—ensuring considerable earning potential in this growing profession, where a range of environments, like zoos and research facilities, are becoming increasingly vital for health care delivery.
About the Sunnyvale 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) | $25.85 | $206.78 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $28.17 | $225.35 |
| Median (P50) | $34.93 | $279.45 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $43.29 | $346.29 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $47.87 | $382.92 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Sunnyvale
Based on $34.93/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $34.93/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Sunnyvale, CA can expect to earn approximately $72,657 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $41,917. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Sunnyvale.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Sunnyvale
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,397.24 | $6,055 | $72,657 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $838.35 | $3,633 | $43,594 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $558.90 | $2,422 | $29,063 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Sunnyvale) | $34.93 |
| 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 Sunnyvale, CA earn a median of $72,647 per year (2026 est.), which is 45.33% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 16.00% above the California state average of $62,627.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $34.93/hr = $43,594/year (purchasing power: $38,545).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $72,657/year (purchasing power: $64,241).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$24.68/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$33.11/hr
2026 Current Est.
$34.93/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Sunnyvale (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24.68/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $25.34/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $25.75/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.72/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $30.57/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $29.23/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $33.11/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $34.93/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $36.85/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Sunnyvale grew 34.1% from $24.68/hr (2019) to $33.11/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $36.85/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 Sunnyvale 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 Sunnyvale
For veterinary technologists and technicians working part-time in Sunnyvale, the decision to opt for a schedule of 24 hours a week could yield an annual income considerably lower than that of full-time counterparts, despite the attractive hourly wage. Per-diem roles are common in this profession, with vets charging between $25-$40 per hour, while specialists with VTS credentials can command rates of $35-$55 per hour when providing care in high-demand settings. Weekend and overnight coverage often sees pay rates between $30-$50 per hour, further diversifying earning potential. Salary variations also arise from employer types, such as corporate chain hospitals versus specialty referral centers. Many individuals may choose lower hourly rates for the added security of benefits, while others prioritize higher wages without health insurance. When negotiating, professionals should consider the high demand for vet techs in Sunnyvale and advocate confidently for their worth, given the current industry shortages and regional market trends.
More salary data for Sunnyvale, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Sunnyvale in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Sunnyvale?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Sunnyvale paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Sunnyvale?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Sunnyvale?
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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 Sunnyvale. 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 Sunnyvale 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