Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Tulare, CA: $30.42 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Tulare, CA runs $30.42 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $63,270 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Tulare's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $26.89 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,959 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Veterinary technologists and technicians in Tulare, California, earn a median hourly rate of $30.42, which surpasses the national median of $24.03. This premium is significant, especially for part-time workers in varying environments such as general practice clinics, specialty hospitals, and university teaching hospitals, where a three-day workweek can yield an attractive income. Hourly wages in Tulare range from $22.79 for entry-level positions up to $39.50 for those at the top of the pay scale, allowing for diverse earning potential based on experience and specific work settings. These estimates are based on annual salary data, providing insight into how hourly earnings can effectively translate into a sustainable income for those in the veterinary profession.
About the Tulare 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) | $22.79 | $182.30 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.68 | $197.41 |
| Median (P50) | $30.42 | $243.33 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36.58 | $292.61 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $39.50 | $315.99 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Tulare
Based on $30.42/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.42/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Tulare, CA can expect to earn approximately $63,265 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,499. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Tulare.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Tulare
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,216.63 | $5,272 | $63,265 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $729.98 | $3,163 | $37,959 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $486.65 | $2,109 | $25,306 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Tulare) | $30.42 |
| 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 Tulare, CA earn a median of $63,270 per year (2026 est.), which is 26.58% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 1.00% above the California state average of $62,644.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.42/hr = $37,959/year (purchasing power: $33,562).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $63,265/year (purchasing power: $55,937).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$21.49/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.83/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.42/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Tulare (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.49/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.06/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.42/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.27/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.62/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.57/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.83/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.42/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.09/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Tulare grew 34.1% from $21.49/hr (2019) to $28.83/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.09/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 Tulare 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 Tulare
For those considering part-time opportunities in this field, working three days a week (approximately 24 hours) can result in an annual income notably less than a full-time salary. Per-diem veterinary technologists and technicians frequently invoice between $25 and $40 per hour, while specialists with VTS credentials can command even higher rates, ranging from $35 to $55 per hour. In markets where veterinary technicians are in high demand, weekend or overnight shifts may pay $30 to $50 per hour, highlighting the potential for increased earnings during understaffed periods. Hourly rates can vary significantly based on employer type in Tulare. General practice clinics might offer lower rates compared to corporate chain hospitals or specialty referral facilities, which often provide benefits that may attract workers despite slightly lower hourly pay. Effectively negotiating pay can leverage these factors, enabling veterinary technologists and technicians to advocate for their worth while balancing the trade-off between hourly wages and benefits that can enhance overall job satisfaction.
More salary data for Tulare, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Tulare in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Tulare?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Tulare paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Tulare?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Tulare?
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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 Tulare. 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 Tulare 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