Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Westminster, CA: $30.44 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Westminster, CA runs $30.44 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $63,300 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Westminster's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $26.91 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,985 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Westminster, California, the anticipated median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians is projected at $30.44 for 2026, significantly higher than the national hourly median of $24.03. This robust hourly pay reflects not only the growing demand for skilled workers in veterinary settings but also the cost of living in Westminster, which sits above the national average. For part-time technicians working three days a week, this translates to a substantial income that allows for flexible scheduling while still providing a decent living. In addition, the hourly pay range varies considerably, from entry-level positions at approximately $22.72 to experienced professionals earning upwards of $40.74, allowing those in the field to advance financially as they gain expertise.
About the Westminster 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) | $22.72 | $181.80 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.70 | $197.58 |
| Median (P50) | $30.44 | $243.49 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37.26 | $298.10 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $40.74 | $325.95 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Westminster
Based on $30.44/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.44/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Westminster, CA can expect to earn approximately $63,308 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,524. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Westminster.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Westminster
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,217.47 | $5,276 | $63,308 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $730.48 | $3,165 | $37,985 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $486.99 | $2,110 | $25,323 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Westminster) | $30.44 |
| 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 Westminster, CA earn a median of $63,300 per year (2026 est.), which is 26.64% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 1.10% above the California state average of $62,611.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.44/hr = $37,985/year (purchasing power: $33,585).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $63,308/year (purchasing power: $55,976).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$21.51/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.85/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.44/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Westminster (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.51/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.08/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.44/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.28/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.63/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.58/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.85/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.44/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.11/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Westminster grew 34.1% from $21.51/hr (2019) to $28.85/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.11/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 Westminster 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 Westminster
Part-time veterinary technologists and technicians in Westminster can look forward to earning a notable income, especially when compared to their full-time counterparts. A technician working a 24-hour week could realistically see a comfortable annual income based on their reduced hours. Additionally, per diem veterinary technologist and technician pay in Westminster varies, often between $25 and $40 per hour for regular shifts, extending to $30-$50 for emergency or overnight work in understaffed hospitals. Positions in specialty referral hospitals or teaching facilities typically command higher rates due to the specialized skills required, with VTS-credentialed technicians potentially earning $35-$55 an hour. While some professionals choose lower hourly rates for health benefits, the trade-off is worth considering, especially as employers navigate staff shortages and competitive pay scales. Negotiation tactics can play a vital role here; emphasizing specialized training or willingness to work high-demand shifts can help secure a more favorable pay rate.
More salary data for Westminster, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Westminster in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Westminster?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Westminster paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Westminster?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Westminster?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in California
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 Westminster. 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 Westminster 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