Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Apple Valley, CA: $62,214 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Apple Valley, CA earns a median $62,214/year (≈ $29.91/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Apple Valley's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $55,008 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.7% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the veterinary technologist and technician salary in Apple Valley, CA, is projected to reach a median of $62,214, significantly above the national average of $49,986, reflecting an attractive local market for skilled professionals. The salary range for these positions in the area spans from $44,976 at the lower end to $80,946 at the high end, indicating a robust demand for qualified individuals. These figures are based on estimates derived from 2025 BLS data and regional price adjustments. With the ongoing workforce shortage in veterinary medicine, those who pursue VTS specialty credentials, particularly in emergency care, anesthesia, or internal medicine, have the potential to command higher pay rates, further enhancing their value in Apple Valley's job market.
About the Apple Valley Market
Salary estimated from California average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $44,976 | $21.63 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $52,923 | $25.45 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $62,214 | $29.91 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $74,957 | $36.04 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $80,946 | $38.92 |
Median Salary Position
24.46% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Apple Valley
In Apple Valley, CA, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $35,970 (2026 est.). At $62,214, the local median is 24.46% above the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Apple Valley: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Apple Valley Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Apple Valley median: $62,214/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Apple Valley Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $62,653 | -0.70% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | +24.46% more |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Apple Valley, CA earn a median of $62,214 per year (2026 est.), which is 24.46% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 0.70% below the California state average of $62,653.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Apple Valley has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Apple Valley, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $62,214 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $55,008 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$43,961
2025 BLS Actual
$58,971
2026 Current Est.
$62,214
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Apple Valley (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $43,961 | Actual |
| 2020 | $45,131 | Actual |
| 2021 | $45,865 | Actual |
| 2022 | $47,595 | Actual |
| 2023 | $54,441 | Actual |
| 2024 | $58,426 | Actual |
| 2025 | $58,971 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $62,214 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $65,636 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Apple Valley metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $43,961 (2019) to $58,971 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $65,636 by 2027 — a total increase of $21,675 (49.31%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Apple Valley 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) | $44,976 – $52,923 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $52,923 – $62,214 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $62,214 – $74,957 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $74,957 – $80,946 |
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 Apple Valley
In Apple Valley, the competitive landscape for veterinary technologists and technicians is underscored by the presence of 19 professionals currently employed in the field. However, the cost of living index sits at 113.1, suggesting that while salaries are higher, expenses may also reflect that reality, impacting overall take-home purchasing power. Employers in the area, including general practice veterinary clinics, corporate chains like VCA and BluePearl, and specialty hospitals, display varied pay scales, with those in specialized settings typically offering the highest salaries. The difference in compensation can be attributed to factors such as the VTS specialty credential, which significantly boosts earning potential; distinctions between corporate and independent practices; and potential for lead positions in 24-hour emergency facilities that offer shift differentials. For those aiming to maximize their pay in Apple Valley, pursuing specialty certifications, gaining experience in high-demand areas, and seeking opportunities in specialty or corporate practices can be effective strategies for career advancement.
More salary data for Apple Valley, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 $58,971 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Apple Valley 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 Apple Valley 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