Irvine vs San Diego: Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary (2026)
Compare veterinary technologist and technician salaries between Irvine, CA and San Diego, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Irvine, CA | San Diego, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $65,053▲ | $63,595 |
| Hourly Rate | $31.28▲ | $30.57 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,087 | $51,948▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $52,926 | $57,592▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $83,077▲ | $66,402 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $91,451▲ | $78,724 |
| Total Employed | 72 | 1,330▲ |
Verdict
Irvine, CA offers better overall compensation for veterinary technologists and technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to San Diego.
The salary gap between Irvine and San Diego is $1,458 (2.29%). Irvine's median is +30.14% compared to the US national median of $49,986.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Irvine spans $43,364,San Diego spans $26,776. Irvine has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Irvine ($57,518 effective) pays 1.20% more than San Diego ($56,839 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Irvine if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($65,053/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($91,451)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $57,518)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose San Diego if…
- ✓Larger job market (1,330 employed)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinary technologist and technician salaries in Irvine grew 0.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 34.8% growth in San Diego over the same period.
Irvine, CA
$61,093 (2024) → $61,662 (2025)
San Diego, CA
$44,720 (2019) → $60,280 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Irvine, CA
San Diego, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays veterinary technologist and technicians more: Irvine or San Diego?
What is the hourly rate difference between Irvine and San Diego?
Should I relocate from Irvine to San Diego as a veterinary technologist and technician?
What do entry-level veterinary technologist and technicians earn in Irvine vs San Diego?
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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
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.50% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
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