Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Visalia, CA: $24.01 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Visalia, CA runs $24.01 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $49,954 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Visalia's regional price level (BEA RPP 99.8, 0% above national), each hour of work buys what $24.05 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,967 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Visalia, California, veterinary technologists and technicians can expect a median hourly pay of $24.01, closely mirroring the national median of $24.03. This hourly rate is indicative of a profession that thrives predominantly in clinical environments such as general practice, specialty hospitals, educational institutions, and even research facilities. For those considering part-time or per-diem positions, typically working three days a week, earning potential remains attractive; they can capitalize on this hourly rate despite working fewer hours. The hourly wage range in Visalia stretches from $20.89 for entry-level positions to $30.30 for those who achieve the highest pay levels, offering opportunities for both new and experienced personnel to thrive based on their qualifications and the work settings they choose.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $20.89 | $167.11 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.34 | $186.69 |
| Median (P50) | $24.01 | $192.09 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $28.22 | $225.77 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $30.30 | $242.40 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Visalia
Based on $24.01/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.01/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Visalia, CA can expect to earn approximately $49,945 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,814. With a cost-of-living index of 99.83 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Visalia.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Visalia
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $960.47 | $4,162 | $49,945 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $576.28 | $2,497 | $29,967 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $384.19 | $1,665 | $19,978 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Visalia) | $24.01 |
| 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 Visalia, CA earn a median of $49,954 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.06% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 20.20% below the California state average of $62,599.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.01/hr = $29,967/year (purchasing power: $30,019).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $49,945/year (purchasing power: $50,032).
CoL index: 99.825 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$14.29/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.76/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.01/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+77.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Visalia (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $14.29/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.05/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.48/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $19.52/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.68/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $21.32/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.76/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.01/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25.33/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Visalia grew 59.3% from $14.29/hr (2019) to $22.76/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $25.33/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 Visalia 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 Visalia
Shifting focus to part-time and per-diem earning potential, a veterinary technologist or technician working 24 hours a week could generate a solid income annually, significantly less than a full-time colleague but still rewarding. Per-diem rates vary widely; professionals often bill between $25 and $40 per hour, with VTS-credentialed specialty technicians commanding even higher rates, ranging from $35 to $55. Emergency and overnight shifts at hospitals, particularly in shortage markets, often pay between $30 and $50 per hour. Employers in Visalia, including general practice clinics, corporate veterinary chains, specialty hospitals, zoos, and university teaching hospitals, influence pay scales differently. While some may prefer higher hourly rates with no benefits, others might accept lower pay in exchange for comprehensive health insurance. For those looking to negotiate their pay, understanding the specific context of different employers can provide leverage, particularly regarding the growing veterinary workforce shortage.
More salary data for Visalia, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Visalia in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Visalia?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Visalia paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Visalia?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Visalia?
Related Pages
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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 Visalia. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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