Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Costa Mesa, CA: $62,924 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Costa Mesa, CA earns a median $62,924/year (≈ $30.26/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Costa Mesa's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $55,636 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.5% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, veterinary technologists and technicians in Costa Mesa, California, can anticipate a median annual salary of $62,924, significantly higher than the national average of $49,986. This salary range extends from around $46,879 at the 10th percentile to approximately $86,639 at the 90th percentile, reflecting varying levels of experience and specialization. The data, based on 2025 BLS OEWS data projected to 2026, accounts for local economic conditions and shows a competitive market for credentialed professionals, especially those who pursue the Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) designation in areas like emergency and critical care (ECC) or anesthesia. Achieving this credential can lead to higher earning potential in Costa Mesa's job market, which values specialized skills.
About the Costa Mesa Market
Salary estimated from California average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,879 | $22.53 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50,990 | $24.52 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $62,924 | $30.26 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $78,231 | $37.61 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $86,639 | $41.65 |
Median Salary Position
25.88% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Costa Mesa
In Costa Mesa, CA, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $39,760 (2026 est.). At $62,924, the local median is 25.88% above the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Costa Mesa: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Costa Mesa Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Costa Mesa median: $62,924/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Costa Mesa Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $62,611 | +0.50% more |
| National Average | $49,986 | +25.88% more |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Costa Mesa, CA earn a median of $62,924 per year (2026 est.), which is 25.88% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 0.50% above the California state average of $62,611.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Costa Mesa has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Costa Mesa, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $62,924 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $55,636 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$44,462
2025 BLS Actual
$59,644
2026 Current Est.
$62,924
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Costa Mesa (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44,462 | Actual |
| 2020 | $45,646 | Actual |
| 2021 | $46,388 | Actual |
| 2022 | $48,138 | Actual |
| 2023 | $55,062 | Actual |
| 2024 | $59,094 | Actual |
| 2025 | $59,644 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $62,924 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $66,385 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Costa Mesa metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $44,462 (2019) to $59,644 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $66,385 by 2027 — a total increase of $21,923 (49.31%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Costa Mesa 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) | $46,879 – $50,990 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $50,990 – $62,924 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $62,924 – $78,231 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $78,231 – $86,639 |
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 Costa Mesa
The local job market is bolstered by a modest workforce of 23 veterinary technologists and technicians, indicating competitive but achievable opportunities. With a cost of living index of 113.1, it becomes essential for professionals to consider how salaries stack up against living expenses. Among the employers in Costa Mesa, corporate chains such as VCA and BluePearl often provide higher pay scales compared to general practice veterinary clinics, though specialty referral hospitals tend to offer the best compensation, especially for those with VTS credentials. Factors that influence salary differences include the nature of employment settings, the presence of specialty certifications, and added responsibilities like mentorship or lead roles. For those aiming to maximize their pay, pursuing additional certifications and seeking positions in specialty practices can be effective strategies in navigating the nuances of veterinary technologist and technician pay in Costa Mesa, CA.
More salary data for Costa Mesa, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do veterinary technologists and technicians make in Costa Mesa, CA in 2026?
Is Costa Mesa, CA a good place to work as a veterinary technologist and technician?
Can veterinary technologists and technicians make $100K in Costa Mesa?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted veterinary technologist and technician salary in Costa Mesa?
How much does a veterinary technologist and technician make per hour in Costa Mesa?
Related Pages
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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 $59,644 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Costa Mesa 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 Costa Mesa 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