Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Union City, CA: $30.17 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Union City, CA runs $30.17 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $62,765 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Union City's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $26.68 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,656 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Union City, California, veterinary technologists and technicians can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $30.17, significantly higher than the national hourly median of $24.03. This favorable pay reflects the demand for skilled professionals in various settings, including general practice clinics, specialty hospitals, university teaching hospitals, and research facilities for pharmaceuticals. For those considering part-time roles, working three days a week could yield a stable income, while per-diem opportunities can further enhance earning potential. The hourly pay for entry-level positions starts at approximately $22.24, escalating to as much as $38.77 for seasoned professionals, showcasing the widespread opportunities within the field. These hourly wage estimates are based on annual salary figures, indicative of the positive trends within the veterinary profession in Union City.
About the Union City 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) | $25.33 | $202.64 |
| Median (P50) | $30.17 | $241.38 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $35.98 | $287.80 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $38.77 | $310.17 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Union City
Based on $30.17/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.17/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Union City, CA can expect to earn approximately $62,760 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,208. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Union City.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Union City
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,206.92 | $5,230 | $62,760 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $724.15 | $3,138 | $37,656 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $482.77 | $2,092 | $25,104 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Union City) | $30.17 |
| 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 Union City, CA earn a median of $62,765 per year (2026 est.), which is 25.57% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 0.20% above the California state average of $62,640.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.17/hr = $37,656/year (purchasing power: $33,294).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $62,760/year (purchasing power: $55,491).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$21.32/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.60/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.17/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Union City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.32/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.89/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.24/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.08/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.40/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.34/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.60/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.17/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.83/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Union City grew 34.1% from $21.32/hr (2019) to $28.60/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.83/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 Union City 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 Union City
Beyond salary expectations, the financial dynamics of working in this profession reveal interesting nuances. When a veterinary technologist and technician opts for part-time status, earning approximately the equivalent of about $30,000 annually while working three days a week, they may find this arrangement suitable for work-life balance. Per-diem workers can command varied rates, with many reporting earnings between $25 and $40 per hour. Specialty technicians with VTS credentials may even reach $35-$55 per hour, especially during peak shifts like weekends or overnight in high-demand settings. Different employer types also impact hourly wages; for instance, general practice clinics may offer lower rates compared to corporate chain hospitals or specialized facilities. Additionally, some technologists may accept lower pay for benefits such as health insurance, while others might prioritize higher hourly wages without such perks. Negotiating rates can be effective, considering the acute workforce shortage within the field, ensuring that professionals can secure both competitive pay and favorable working conditions in Union City.
More salary data for Union City, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Union City in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Union City?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Union City paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Union City?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Union City?
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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 Union City. 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 Union City 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