Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Tustin, CA: $30.08 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Tustin, CA runs $30.08 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $62,561 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Tustin's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $26.59 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,537 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Tustin, California, the hourly pay for veterinary technologists and technicians stands at a median rate of $30.08, which is significantly higher than the national median of $24.03. This substantial difference offers promising prospects for those considering part-time or per-diem work in diverse environments such as general practice clinics, specialty hospitals, and research facilities. For example, those working three days a week can expect to earn a comfortable income while enjoying a flexible schedule, with entry-level positions starting around $21.89 and top earners reaching up to $39.55 per hour. These figures are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS data projected to 2026, providing an idea of the earnings one can anticipate in this vital field.
About the Tustin 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) | $21.89 | $175.13 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.98 | $191.84 |
| Median (P50) | $30.08 | $240.62 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36.40 | $291.18 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $39.55 | $316.42 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Tustin
Based on $30.08/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.08/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Tustin, CA can expect to earn approximately $62,562 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,094. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Tustin.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Tustin
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,203.12 | $5,214 | $62,562 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $721.87 | $3,128 | $37,537 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $481.25 | $2,085 | $25,025 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Tustin) | $30.08 |
| 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 Tustin, CA earn a median of $62,561 per year (2026 est.), which is 25.16% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 0.10% below the California state average of $62,624.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.08/hr = $37,537/year (purchasing power: $33,190).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $62,562/year (purchasing power: $55,316).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$21.25/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.51/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.08/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Tustin (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.25/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.82/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.17/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.01/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.32/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.25/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.51/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.08/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.73/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Tustin grew 34.1% from $21.25/hr (2019) to $28.51/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.73/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 Tustin 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 Tustin
The earning potential for part-time veterinary technologists and technicians can be appealing, particularly when considering actual take-home pay. A part-time worker on a 24-hour weekly schedule might earn approximately $62,561 annually, which is competitive compared to full-time income. Per diem opportunities are especially lucrative, with many technicians billing anywhere from $25 to $40 per hour, and specialty credentialed technicians able to command even higher rates. Geographic and employer differences can lead to variation in hourly wages; for instance, positions within corporate chains may offer lower hourly rates compared to specialized hospitals or research facilities, yet they may provide critical benefits such as health insurance. When negotiating pay, those in Tustin should keep local market conditions in mind and articulate their skills effectively to strike a balance between hourly rates and the value of benefits offered.
More salary data for Tustin, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Tustin in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Tustin?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Tustin paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Tustin?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Tustin?
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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 Tustin. 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 Tustin 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