Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Burbank, CA: $61,851 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Burbank, CA earns a median $61,851/year (≈ $29.74/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Burbank's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $54,687 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.2% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Veterinary technologists and technicians in Burbank, CA, can anticipate a median annual salary of $61,851 in 2026, reflecting a significant premium over the national median of $49,986. The salary range for these professionals spans from $44,186 at the 10th percentile to $83,021 at the 90th percentile, indicating a diverse field where compensation can vary widely based on the type of employment setting. Positions within specialty hospitals tend to offer higher pay than those in general practice veterinary clinics, creating a clear incentive for veterinary technicians to seek out advanced roles or certifications that elevate their expertise and market value. Given the competitive job landscape, Burbank's salary estimates are derived from 2025 BLS data, accounting for regional price adjustments, which paint a favorable picture for aspiring veterinary technologists and technicians in the area.
About the Burbank Market
Salary estimated from California average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $44,186 | $21.25 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $48,874 | $23.49 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $61,851 | $29.74 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $75,627 | $36.36 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $83,021 | $39.91 |
Median Salary Position
23.74% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Burbank
In Burbank, CA, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $38,835 (2026 est.). At $61,851, the local median is 23.74% above the national median of $49,986.
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At 40 hours/week in Burbank: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Burbank Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Burbank median: $61,851/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Burbank Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $62,603 | -1.20% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | +23.74% more |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Burbank, CA earn a median of $61,851 per year (2026 est.), which is 23.74% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 1.20% below the California state average of $62,603.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Burbank has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Burbank, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $61,851 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $54,687 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$43,704
2025 BLS Actual
$58,627
2026 Current Est.
$61,851
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Burbank (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $43,704 | Actual |
| 2020 | $44,867 | Actual |
| 2021 | $45,597 | Actual |
| 2022 | $47,317 | Actual |
| 2023 | $54,123 | Actual |
| 2024 | $58,086 | Actual |
| 2025 | $58,627 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61,851 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $65,253 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Burbank metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $43,704 (2019) to $58,627 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $65,253 by 2027 — a total increase of $21,549 (49.31%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Burbank 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) | $44,186 – $48,874 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $48,874 – $61,851 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $61,851 – $75,627 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $75,627 – $83,021 |
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 Burbank
Employment opportunities for veterinary technologists and technicians in Burbank remain solid, with approximately 22 individuals currently working in this field. However, the cost of living in the area, reflected by a cost-of-living index of 113.1, suggests that while salaries are comparatively high, the purchasing power may be affected. Employers that tend to offer the highest salaries include specialty referral hospitals, corporate chains like VCA and BluePearl, and university teaching hospitals, with the potential for even higher earnings for those holding VTS specialty certifications in critical care, anesthesia, or internal medicine. Factors influencing the salary spectrum include varying pay scales between corporate chains and specialty hospitals, as well as opportunities for lead roles or mentorship positions that can command better pay. To maximize earning potential in this market, aspiring technicians should consider pursuing advanced credentials and focusing on specialized fields that are in high demand.
More salary data for Burbank, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do veterinary technologists and technicians make in Burbank, CA in 2026?
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Can veterinary technologists and technicians make $100K in Burbank?
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How much does a veterinary technologist and technician make per hour in Burbank?
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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 $58,627 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Burbank 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 Burbank 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