Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in West Sacramento, CA: $29.65 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in West Sacramento, CA runs $29.65 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $61,654 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against West Sacramento's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $26.21 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $36,998 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In West Sacramento, the veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay is projected to reach a median of $29.65 by 2026, significantly higher than the national hourly median of $24.03. This rate positions local professionals favorably, particularly for those seeking part-time or per-diem work. For example, a veterinary technologist working just three days a week could earn around $23,000 annually, making the role accessible to individuals who prefer flexible schedules. Entry-level technicians might start at approximately $23.25 per hour, while experienced professionals can command rates as high as $39.98, reflecting the growing demand for skilled workers in various settings such as general practice, specialty hospitals, and research facilities.
About the West Sacramento 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) | $23.25 | $186.02 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.90 | $199.18 |
| Median (P50) | $29.65 | $237.16 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36.47 | $291.77 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $39.98 | $319.88 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in West Sacramento
Based on $29.65/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.65/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in West Sacramento, CA can expect to earn approximately $61,663 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,575. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in West Sacramento.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in West Sacramento
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,185.82 | $5,139 | $61,663 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $711.49 | $3,083 | $36,998 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $474.33 | $2,055 | $24,665 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (West Sacramento) | $29.65 |
| 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 Sacramento, CA earn a median of $61,654 per year (2026 est.), which is 23.34% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 1.50% below the California state average of $62,593.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.65/hr = $36,998/year (purchasing power: $32,712).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $61,663/year (purchasing power: $54,520).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$20.95/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.10/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.65/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in West Sacramento (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.95/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.50/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $21.85/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.68/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.94/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $27.84/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.10/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.65/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.28/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in West Sacramento grew 34.1% from $20.95/hr (2019) to $28.10/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.28/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 Sacramento 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 Sacramento
Veterinary technologists and technicians in West Sacramento face an intriguing earnings potential when considering part-time versus full-time work. Working a 24-hour weekly schedule, for instance, yields a different reality compared to full-time hours, as part-time staff may earn around $39,500 annually. Per-diem roles offer appealing flexibility, with rates ranging from $25 to $40 per hour for general vet techs, while specialized technicians with Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) credentials may earn between $35 and $55. The variability in pay often stems from the type of employer, with corporate chain hospitals and specialty clinics typically offering higher wages. However, many opt for positions with health benefits despite lower hourly rates, weighing job security and benefits against higher per-hour compensation. For those negotiating salaries, understanding local conditions and the specific dynamics within West Sacramento’s pet care market can be advantageous.
More salary data for West Sacramento, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in West Sacramento in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in West Sacramento?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in West Sacramento paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in West Sacramento?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in West Sacramento?
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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 Sacramento. 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 Sacramento 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