Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Buena Park, CA: $63,419 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Buena Park, CA earns a median $63,419/year (≈ $30.49/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Buena Park's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $56,073 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.3% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the veterinary technologist and technician salary in Buena Park, CA, is projected to reach a median of $63,419, showcasing significant growth compared to the national median of $49,986. Salary estimates indicate a range from $47,819 at the 10th percentile to $82,828 at the 90th percentile, reflecting both entry-level positions and experienced professionals within the field. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS data projected to 2026 and adjusted for local economic conditions, highlight the competitive pay scale established by corporate chains like VCA and BluePearl, which dominate the local market, influencing compensation structures and benefits.
About the Buena Park Market
Salary estimated from California average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,819 | $22.99 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51,622 | $24.81 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $63,419 | $30.49 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $76,402 | $36.74 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $82,828 | $39.83 |
Median Salary Position
26.87% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Buena Park
In Buena Park, CA, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $35,009 (2026 est.). At $63,419, the local median is 26.87% above the national median of $49,986.
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At 40 hours/week in Buena Park: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Buena Park Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Buena Park median: $63,419/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Buena Park Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $62,605 | +1.30% more |
| National Average | $49,986 | +26.87% more |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Buena Park, CA earn a median of $63,419 per year (2026 est.), which is 26.87% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 1.30% above the California state average of $62,605.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Buena Park has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Buena Park, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $63,419 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $56,073 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$44,812
2025 BLS Actual
$60,113
2026 Current Est.
$63,419
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Buena Park (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44,812 | Actual |
| 2020 | $46,005 | Actual |
| 2021 | $46,753 | Actual |
| 2022 | $48,517 | Actual |
| 2023 | $55,495 | Actual |
| 2024 | $59,558 | Actual |
| 2025 | $60,113 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $63,419 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $66,907 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Buena Park metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $44,812 (2019) to $60,113 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $66,907 by 2027 — a total increase of $22,095 (49.31%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Buena Park 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) | $47,819 – $51,622 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $51,622 – $63,419 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $63,419 – $76,402 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $76,402 – $82,828 |
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 Buena Park
With just 20 veterinary technologists and technicians employed in the Buena Park area, the local job market remains relatively niche, yet the pay dynamics are affected by various cost-of-living factors, notably a cost of living index of 113.1. This index indicates an above-average living expense compared to the national average, which can impact disposable income and overall job satisfaction. Employers that tend to offer the highest salaries include specialty referral hospitals and corporate chain hospitals, often incentivizing employees with bonuses tied to credentials such as the VTS specialty. Understanding the pay disparity is essential; those with advanced specialties in fields like emergency and critical care or anesthesia may command salaries at the higher end of the scale. To maximize earning potential, aspiring technologists should consider pursuing higher-tier credentials and selecting workplaces that offer shift differentials and mentorship opportunities, crucial for long-term career growth and financial stability in a competitive market like Buena Park.
More salary data for Buena Park, 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 $60,113 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Buena Park 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 Buena Park 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