Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Brea, CA: $59,417 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Brea, CA earns a median $59,417/year (≈ $28.57/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Brea's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $52,535 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.1% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Brea, CA, the veterinary technologist and technician salary is projected to reach a median annual figure of $59,417 by 2026, significantly outpacing the national median of $49,986. This local estimate reflects Brea's competitive market for veterinary professionals, with salaries ranging from $46,633 at the lower end (P10) to $77,826 for the highest earners (P90). These earnings are based on state-level data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), adjusted for regional cost of living dynamics. As Brea boasts a strong presence of corporate chains like VCA and BluePearl, compensation packages are influenced by these corporate scales, making it an attractive market for those pursuing careers in veterinary technology.
About the Brea Market
Salary estimated from California average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,633 | $22.42 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $49,483 | $23.79 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $59,417 | $28.57 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $72,188 | $34.71 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $77,826 | $37.42 |
Median Salary Position
18.87% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Brea
In Brea, CA, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $31,193 (2026 est.). At $59,417, the local median is 18.87% above the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Brea: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Brea Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Brea median: $59,417/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Brea Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $62,610 | -5.10% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | +18.87% more |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Brea, CA earn a median of $59,417 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.87% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 5.10% below the California state average of $62,610.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Brea has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Brea, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $59,417 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $52,535 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$41,984
2025 BLS Actual
$56,319
2026 Current Est.
$59,417
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Brea (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $41,984 | Actual |
| 2020 | $43,101 | Actual |
| 2021 | $43,802 | Actual |
| 2022 | $45,455 | Actual |
| 2023 | $51,992 | Actual |
| 2024 | $55,799 | Actual |
| 2025 | $56,319 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $59,417 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $62,684 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Brea metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $41,984 (2019) to $56,319 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $62,684 by 2027 — a total increase of $20,700 (49.30%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Brea 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) | $46,633 – $49,483 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $49,483 – $59,417 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $59,417 – $72,188 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $72,188 – $77,826 |
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 Brea
With only 10 veterinary technologists and technicians currently working in Brea, employment opportunities are limited yet stable, contributing to a relatively competitive salary structure. The cost of living index at 113.1 indicates that housing and other expenses in Brea are higher than the national average, which can affect overall purchasing power for these professionals. Corporate veterinary hospitals generally offer higher salaries, especially for those with specialized VTS credentials in emergency care or anesthesia. The pay disparities can also stem from the type of facility; specialty hospitals tend to compensate more generously compared to general practices. For those looking to enhance their earnings, pursuing advanced certifications through NAVTA, obtaining mentorship roles, or working in 24-hour emergency facilities can provide solid increments in pay, making the most of Brea's veterinary job market.
More salary data for Brea, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do veterinary technologists and technicians make in Brea, CA in 2026?
Is Brea, CA a good place to work as a veterinary technologist and technician?
Can veterinary technologists and technicians make $100K in Brea?
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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 $56,319 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Brea 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 Brea 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