Los Angeles vs Santa Cruz: Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary (2026)
Compare veterinary technologist and technician salaries between Los Angeles, CA and Santa Cruz, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Los Angeles, CA | Santa Cruz, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $64,007 | $66,265▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $30.77 | $31.86▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $51,062 | $52,381▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $54,069 | $62,941▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $66,423 | $67,003▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $80,591▲ | $79,252 |
| Total Employed | 3,640▲ | 150 |
Verdict
Los Angeles and Santa Cruz are closely matched on overall veterinary technologist and technician compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Los Angeles and Santa Cruz is $2,258 (3.53%). Santa Cruz's median is +32.57% compared to the US national median of $49,986.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Los Angeles spans $29,529,Santa Cruz spans $26,871. Los Angeles 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, Santa Cruz ($60,298 effective) pays 6.99% more than Los Angeles ($56,361 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Los Angeles if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($80,591)
- ✓Larger job market (3,640 employed)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Santa Cruz if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($66,265/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $60,298)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinary technologist and technician salaries in Los Angeles grew 33.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 31.4% growth in Santa Cruz over the same period.
Los Angeles, CA
$45,420 (2019) → $60,670 (2025)
Santa Cruz, CA
$47,790 (2019) → $62,810 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Los Angeles, CA
Santa Cruz, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays veterinary technologist and technicians more: Los Angeles or Santa Cruz?
What is the hourly rate difference between Los Angeles and Santa Cruz?
Should I relocate from Los Angeles to Santa Cruz as a veterinary technologist and technician?
What do entry-level veterinary technologist and technicians earn in Los Angeles vs Santa Cruz?
Related Comparisons
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