Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Turlock, CA: $29.45 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Turlock, CA runs $29.45 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $61,242 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Turlock's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $26.03 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $36,747 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For veterinary technologists and technicians in Turlock, California, the median hourly rate is projected at $29.45 in 2026, well above the national median of $24.03. This higher pay reflects not only the demand within the region but also the cost of living index of 113.1, indicating expenses are elevated compared to the national average. For part-time professionals working three days a week, this equates to a steady income that is quite competitive, especially in settings such as general practice treatment areas, specialty hospitals, and animal medical units. The hourly range varies from entry-level positions starting at around $22.87 to experienced professionals earning up to $40.33 per hour, showcasing the potential for significant income growth as they gain experience and skills. These hourly rates stem from estimates based on annual salary data, highlighting the career opportunities available in Turlock's veterinary landscape.
About the Turlock 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) | $22.87 | $182.98 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.50 | $195.98 |
| Median (P50) | $29.45 | $235.56 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36.66 | $293.29 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $40.33 | $322.66 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Turlock
Based on $29.45/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.45/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Turlock, CA can expect to earn approximately $61,246 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,334. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Turlock.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Turlock
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,177.80 | $5,104 | $61,246 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $706.68 | $3,062 | $36,747 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $471.12 | $2,042 | $24,498 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Turlock) | $29.45 |
| 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 Turlock, CA earn a median of $61,242 per year (2026 est.), which is 22.52% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 2.20% below the California state average of $62,619.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.45/hr = $36,747/year (purchasing power: $32,491).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $61,246/year (purchasing power: $54,152).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$20.81/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.91/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.45/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Turlock (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.81/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.36/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $21.71/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.53/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.77/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $27.65/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.91/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.45/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.06/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Turlock grew 34.1% from $20.81/hr (2019) to $27.91/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.06/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 Turlock 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 Turlock
Part-time veterinary technologists and technicians in Turlock can expect to earn differently compared to their full-time counterparts. Working approximately 24 hours each week, a technician might take home around $36,576 annually, which underscores the need for additional employment or financial planning to make ends meet. Furthermore, per-diem arrangements are quite beneficial; contracting agencies report rates typically between $25-$40 per hour, allowing professionals to enjoy flexibility while earning competitive pay. Specialty technicians who hold VTS credentials often command between $35 and $55 per hour, while those taking overnight or weekend shifts in emergency settings may earn $30-$50 per hour due to increased demand. Wages can significantly differ across various employers in Turlock, including general practice clinics, corporate chains, and research facilities. While a higher hourly rate may seem appealing, veterinarians and technicians must weigh the trade-off between salary and benefits like health insurance, which can often affect job satisfaction and stability. Negotiation strategies for hourly workers should include highlighting skills and certifications such as VTS specialties to maximize earning potential in this rapidly evolving field.
More salary data for Turlock, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Turlock in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Turlock?
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Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Turlock?
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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 Turlock. 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 Turlock 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