Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Compton, CA: $62,026 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Compton, CA earns a median $62,026/year (≈ $29.82/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Compton's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $54,842 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.0% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, the projected median salary for veterinary technologists and technicians in Compton is $62,026, significantly higher than the national median of $49,986, indicating a robust local market. Salaries in this profession vary notably, with a range from $44,474 at the 10th percentile to $80,322 at the 90th percentile. These figures are based on 2025 BLS data, projected to 2026, and adjusted for local cost-of-living factors, which is reflected in Compton's cost of living index of 113.1. For those pursuing advanced credentials like the VTS in emergency and critical care (ECC) or anesthesia, there exists a notable opportunity to command higher wages, making specialized training a significant asset in this competitive job market.
About the Compton Market
Salary estimated from California average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $44,474 | $21.38 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $52,536 | $25.26 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $62,026 | $29.82 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $74,455 | $35.80 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $80,322 | $38.61 |
Median Salary Position
24.09% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Compton
In Compton, CA, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $35,848 (2026 est.). At $62,026, the local median is 24.09% above the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Compton: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Compton Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Compton median: $62,026/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Compton Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $62,652 | -1.00% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | +24.09% more |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Compton, CA earn a median of $62,026 per year (2026 est.), which is 24.09% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 1.00% below the California state average of $62,652.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Compton has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Compton, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $62,026 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $54,842 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$43,827
2025 BLS Actual
$58,792
2026 Current Est.
$62,026
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Compton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $43,827 | Actual |
| 2020 | $44,994 | Actual |
| 2021 | $45,726 | Actual |
| 2022 | $47,451 | Actual |
| 2023 | $54,275 | Actual |
| 2024 | $58,249 | Actual |
| 2025 | $58,792 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $62,026 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $65,437 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Compton metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $43,827 (2019) to $58,792 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $65,437 by 2027 — a total increase of $21,610 (49.31%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Compton 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) | $44,474 – $52,536 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $52,536 – $62,026 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $62,026 – $74,455 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $74,455 – $80,322 |
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 Compton
The local job market for veterinary technologists and technicians in Compton features an employment base of approximately 25 professionals, reflecting a tight-knit community within the veterinary field. With a cost of living index exceeding the national average, take-home purchasing power can be a challenge for many, emphasizing the importance of seeking employment with higher-paying establishments. Those in specialty referral hospitals, corporate chain hospitals like VCA and BluePearl, or engaging in advanced care practices, typically see the highest wages. The disparity in pay stems from factors such as specialty credentialing, differences in pay scales between corporate chains and general practices, and additional compensation for lead roles or shift differentials. For maximizing earnings in Compton, focusing on specialization and pursuing positions in high-demand settings such as emergency care facilities can significantly enhance earning potential in this evolving sector.
More salary data for Compton, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can veterinary technologists and technicians make $100K in Compton?
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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 $58,792 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Compton 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 Compton 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