Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Anaheim, CA: $65,146 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Anaheim, CA earns a median $65,146/year (≈ $31.32/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Anaheim's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $57,600 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.0% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Anaheim, California, the projected median annual salary for veterinary technologists and technicians in 2026 is set at $65,146, which reflects a significant increase compared to the national median of $49,986. Local salaries range from $46,210 at the 10th percentile to $90,914 at the 90th percentile, offering a diverse compensation landscape for those within the field. These figures are derived from 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, accounting for regional price adjustments that influence pay. For veterinary professionals looking to enhance their earnings, obtaining a Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) credential, particularly in areas such as emergency and critical care or anesthesia, can command higher wages and open doors to specialty practices that are in high demand in Anaheim's evolving veterinary market.
About the Anaheim Market
Salary estimated from California average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,210 | $22.22 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51,360 | $24.69 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $65,146 | $31.32 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $81,497 | $39.18 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $90,914 | $43.71 |
Median Salary Position
30.33% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Anaheim
In Anaheim, CA, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $44,704 (2026 est.). At $65,146, the local median is 30.33% above the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Anaheim: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Anaheim Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Anaheim median: $65,146/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Anaheim Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $62,641 | +4.00% more |
| National Average | $49,986 | +30.33% more |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Anaheim, CA earn a median of $65,146 per year (2026 est.), which is 30.33% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 4.00% above the California state average of $62,641.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Anaheim has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Anaheim, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $65,146 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $57,600 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$46,032
2025 BLS Actual
$61,750
2026 Current Est.
$65,146
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Anaheim (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $46,032 | Actual |
| 2020 | $47,257 | Actual |
| 2021 | $48,026 | Actual |
| 2022 | $49,838 | Actual |
| 2023 | $57,006 | Actual |
| 2024 | $62,852 | Actual |
| 2025 | $61,750 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65,146 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $68,729 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Anaheim metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $46,032 (2019) to $61,750 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $68,729 by 2027 — a total increase of $22,697 (49.31%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Anaheim 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $46,210 – $51,360 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $51,360 – $65,146 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $65,146 – $81,497 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $81,497 – $90,914 |
Vet Tech salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual veterinary technologist and technician compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Job Market in Anaheim
With 51 veterinary technologists and technicians currently employed in the Anaheim area, the local job market shows promising growth, underpinned by a 5.50% annual increase projected over the next few years. However, the cost of living index at 113.1 indicates that while salaries are competitive, they must meet the higher expenses of living in Southern California. Higher-paying employers typically include specialty referral hospitals and corporate chains such as VCA and BluePearl, where employees often receive more competitive compensation due to the specialized skills required and the business model they employ. The disparity in pay among local practices can largely be attributed to the demand for specialized credentials and the differentials afforded by corporate pay scales versus general practice settings. For those in Anaheim looking to maximize their earning potential, obtaining a VTS credential, pursuing employment in high-demand specialties, and capitalizing on mentorship or leadership opportunities can be effective strategies to enhance take-home pay in this vibrant market.
More salary data for Anaheim, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do veterinary technologists and technicians make in Anaheim, CA in 2026?
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Can veterinary technologists and technicians make $100K in Anaheim?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted veterinary technologist and technician salary in Anaheim?
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Related Pages
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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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $61,750 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Anaheim metropolitan area. A 5.50% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Anaheim 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