Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Vacaville, CA: $30.05 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Vacaville, CA runs $30.05 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $62,495 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Vacaville's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $26.57 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,498 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Vacaville, California, the veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay stands at $30.05, indicating a healthy 25.03% premium over the national median of $24.03. This competitive rate is attractive for those considering part-time positions, such as working three days a week in various environments, which can provide a steady and reliable income. For per-diem workers, the flexibility of the job can yield hourly earnings within the $22.93 to $42.07 range, allowing for opportunities in general practice treatment areas, specialty hospital ICUs, university teaching hospitals, or even research animal facilities. The hourly figures, rooted in annual salary data, reflect entry-level positions starting around $22.93 per hour, while top earners may command rates as high as $42.07 per hour, underscoring the earning potential within this profession in Vacaville.
About the Vacaville 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) | $22.93 | $183.40 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.75 | $198.00 |
| Median (P50) | $30.05 | $240.37 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37.77 | $302.15 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $42.07 | $336.59 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Vacaville
Based on $30.05/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.05/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Vacaville, CA can expect to earn approximately $62,497 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,056. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Vacaville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Vacaville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,201.86 | $5,208 | $62,497 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $721.11 | $3,125 | $37,498 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $480.74 | $2,083 | $24,999 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Vacaville) | $30.05 |
| 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 Vacaville, CA earn a median of $62,495 per year (2026 est.), which is 25.03% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 0.20% below the California state average of $62,620.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.05/hr = $37,498/year (purchasing power: $33,155).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $62,497/year (purchasing power: $55,258).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$21.23/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.48/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.05/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Vacaville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.23/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.80/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.15/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.99/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.29/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.22/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.48/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.05/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.70/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Vacaville grew 34.1% from $21.23/hr (2019) to $28.48/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.70/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 Vacaville 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 Vacaville
Looking at part-time earning dynamics, a veterinary technologist or technician working 24 hours a week would gross approximately $37,185 annually, a significant contrast to full-time earnings. For those opting for per-diem work, the reality is that these professionals often charge between $25-$40 an hour, with specialty technicians earning even more, particularly if they hold a VTS credential. In a market marked by staffing shortages, weekend or overnight shifts can push hourly rates to between $30-$50, particularly in emergency clinics facing high demand. It's essential to remember that various employer types can impact pay rates; corporate chains, specialty hospitals, and university settings each have distinct pay scales that can affect overall compensation. Balancing hourly rates with benefits is also crucial; while some workers may choose lower hourly wages for comprehensive health coverage, others may prioritize higher pay without benefits. For those negotiating in Vacaville, it's wise to emphasize relevant credentials and experience, which can significantly influence pay rate discussions in this evolving job market.
More salary data for Vacaville, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Vacaville in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Vacaville?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Vacaville paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Vacaville?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Vacaville?
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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 Vacaville. 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 Vacaville 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