Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Thousand Oaks, CA: $30.52 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Thousand Oaks, CA runs $30.52 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $63,475 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Thousand Oaks's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $26.99 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $38,090 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Thousand Oaks, California, veterinary technologists and technicians command a median hourly pay of $30.52, which notably exceeds the national median of $24.03. This higher rate reflects the regional demand for skilled professionals in various settings, including general practice treatment areas, specialty hospitals, and even university teaching clinics. For part-time technicians working three days a week, this hourly rate translates well, offering decent earnings of over $36,000 annually for a 24-hour work week. The hourly ranges in the area extend from $23.66 at the entry-level to a notable $42.08 for top earners, allowing for flexibility in employment options. As most hourly wage estimates are derived from annual salary data projected for 2026, potential hires should feel informed about their bargaining power in this growing field.
About the Thousand Oaks 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) | $23.66 | $189.31 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.44 | $203.49 |
| Median (P50) | $30.52 | $244.17 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37.98 | $303.84 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $42.08 | $336.67 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Thousand Oaks
Based on $30.52/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.52/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Thousand Oaks, CA can expect to earn approximately $63,484 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,625. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Thousand Oaks.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Thousand Oaks
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,220.85 | $5,290 | $63,484 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $732.51 | $3,174 | $38,090 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $488.34 | $2,116 | $25,394 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Thousand Oaks) | $30.52 |
| 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 Thousand Oaks, CA earn a median of $63,475 per year (2026 est.), which is 26.99% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 1.40% above the California state average of $62,599.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.52/hr = $38,090/year (purchasing power: $33,679).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $63,484/year (purchasing power: $56,131).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$21.57/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.93/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.52/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Thousand Oaks (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.57/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.14/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.50/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.35/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.71/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.44/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.93/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.52/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.20/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Thousand Oaks grew 34.1% from $21.57/hr (2019) to $28.93/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.20/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 Thousand Oaks 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 Thousand Oaks
Considering the part-time earnings potential, those working as veterinary technologists and technicians for 24 hours per week might take home around $36,400 annually, significantly less than their full-time counterparts. Additionally, the per diem veterinary technologist and technician pay in Thousand Oaks can range from $25 to $40 per hour, with specialized technicians commanding even higher rates, especially in high-demand situations like weekends or overnights at emergency clinics. Specialty credentialing through the Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) pathway can lead to hourly rates as high as $55, allowing skilled professionals to capitalize on their education and expertise. Employment types play a crucial role in compensation variation; general practice clinics may offer lower hourly wages compared to specialty or corporate chain hospitals. Given the rising cost of living, particularly in this area, veterinary technologists should weigh the benefits of lower-paying positions that offer health insurance against higher hourly rates without benefits. For those negotiating salaries, highlighting relevant certifications and experience can greatly influence compensation discussions in Thousand Oaks.
More salary data for Thousand Oaks, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Thousand Oaks in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Thousand Oaks?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Thousand Oaks paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Thousand Oaks?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Thousand Oaks?
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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 Thousand Oaks. 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 Thousand Oaks 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