Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Temecula, CA: $30.78 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Temecula, CA runs $30.78 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $64,028 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Temecula's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $27.22 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $38,420 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Veterinary technologists and technicians in Temecula, California, can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $30.78, significantly higher than the national median of $24.03. This rate can offer substantial earning potential for part-time workers, such as those working three days a week, or those engaged in per-diem positions across various settings, including general practice clinics and specialty hospitals. In Temecula, hourly pay ranges from $22.24 for entry-level roles to as much as $40.34 for experienced technicians or those employed in specialized facilities such as universities or pharmaceutical research labs. These hourly rates, based on projected 2026 estimates, reflect a growing demand for veterinary professionals as the workforce shortage continues to elevate the compensation landscape in the region.
About the Temecula 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) | $22.24 | $177.92 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.58 | $204.67 |
| Median (P50) | $30.78 | $246.28 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37.05 | $296.41 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $40.34 | $322.75 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Temecula
Based on $30.78/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.78/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Temecula, CA can expect to earn approximately $64,033 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,942. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Temecula.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Temecula
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,231.40 | $5,336 | $64,033 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $738.84 | $3,202 | $38,420 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $492.56 | $2,134 | $25,613 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Temecula) | $30.78 |
| 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 Temecula, CA earn a median of $64,028 per year (2026 est.), which is 28.09% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 2.20% above the California state average of $62,650.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.78/hr = $38,420/year (purchasing power: $33,970).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $64,033/year (purchasing power: $56,616).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$21.75/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.18/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.78/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Temecula (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.75/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.33/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.69/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.55/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.94/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.91/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.18/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.78/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.48/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Temecula grew 34.1% from $21.75/hr (2019) to $29.18/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.48/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 Temecula 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 Temecula
For those opting for part-time schedules, a veterinary technologist and technician working 24 hours a week could anticipate an annual take-home pay significantly lower than their full-time counterparts, yet still competitive based on weekly income. Per-diem veterinary technologists and technicians often find themselves billing anywhere from $25 to $40 per hour, while VTS-credentialed specialists can see hourly rates of $35 to $55. Weekend or overnight shifts in understaffed emergency clinics might command rates ranging from $30 to $50, depending on market demand. Employer types also influence hourly compensation: general practice clinics may offer lower rates compared to corporate chains or specialty referral hospitals. Candidates should weigh the benefits of stable employment—for example, health insurance—against higher hourly pay positions that may lack these benefits and approach negotiations with a clear understanding of their worth based on the prevailing pay structure in Temecula.
More salary data for Temecula, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Temecula in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Temecula?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Temecula paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Temecula?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Temecula?
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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 Temecula. 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 Temecula 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