Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in West Covina, CA: $30.17 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in West Covina, CA runs $30.17 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $62,758 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against West Covina'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 2026, veterinary technologists and technicians in West Covina, California, can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $30.17, significantly higher than the national median of $24.03. This competitive pay reflects the growing demand for skilled professionals in various settings, including general practice treatment areas, specialty hospital ICUs, and even university teaching hospitals. For those working part-time, such as on a three-day-per-week schedule, this income can supplement other jobs or offer flexibility. Entry-level technicians might start at around $23.19 per hour, while experienced professionals can command up to $41.28 per hour, indicating a well-defined pay scale that rewards skill and experience. These hourly figures are estimations derived from the overall annual salary data, but they illustrate the robust earning power of this career path in West Covina.
About the West Covina 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) | $23.19 | $185.51 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.00 | $200.03 |
| Median (P50) | $30.17 | $241.38 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36.27 | $290.17 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $41.28 | $330.26 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in West Covina
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 West Covina, 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 West Covina.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in West Covina
| 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 (West Covina) | $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 West Covina, CA earn a median of $62,758 per year (2026 est.), which is 25.55% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 0.20% above the California state average of $62,632.
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 West Covina (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 West Covina 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 West Covina 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 West Covina
Analyzing part-time earning potential, a veterinary technologist or technician working three days a week at 24 hours might take home around $37,660 annually, a sizeable difference compared to those working full-time. The allure of per diem or agency work offers flexibility, and many per diem veterinary technologists and technicians in West Covina report billing rates of $25 to $40 per hour. For advanced roles, such as Veterinary Technician Specialists (VTS), rates can soar to $35-$55 per hour, especially during weekend or overnight shifts in high-demand settings. Employers vary greatly in compensation; general practice clinics may pay less compared to corporate chain hospitals or specialty referral centers that often have more robust resources. Many professionals weigh the benefits of lower hourly rates against the stability and health insurance provided by full-time employment. For those considering their earning potential, negotiating for benefits or a higher hourly wage based on the market rates in West Covina might be essential for optimizing their overall compensation.
More salary data for West Covina, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in West Covina in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in West Covina?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in West Covina paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in West Covina?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in West Covina?
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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 West Covina. 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 West Covina 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