Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Downey, CA: $63,411 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Downey, CA earns a median $63,411/year (≈ $30.49/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Downey's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $56,066 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.3% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Downey, CA, the pathway to advanced roles as a Veterinary Technologist Specialist (VTS) can significantly enhance earning potential. By 2026, professionals in this field can expect to make a median annual salary of $63,411, which is notably higher than the national median of $49,986, showcasing a 26.86% increase. Salaries here range from $44,592 at the lower end to $88,302 for those at the top of the pay scale. These figures reflect local estimates derived from BLS state-level data adjusted for regional cost of living factors. In a market characterized by a growing demand for skilled veterinary professionals, particularly those with VTS credentials in emergency and critical care or anesthesia, earning potential remains robust.
About the Downey Market
Salary estimated from California average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $44,592 | $21.44 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51,963 | $24.98 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $63,411 | $30.49 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $79,427 | $38.19 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $88,302 | $42.45 |
Median Salary Position
26.86% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Downey
In Downey, CA, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $43,710 (2026 est.). At $63,411, the local median is 26.86% above the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Downey: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Downey Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Downey median: $63,411/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Downey Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $62,597 | +1.30% more |
| National Average | $49,986 | +26.86% more |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Downey, CA earn a median of $63,411 per year (2026 est.), which is 26.86% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 1.30% above the California state average of $62,597.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Downey has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Downey, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $63,411 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $56,066 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$44,806
2025 BLS Actual
$60,105
2026 Current Est.
$63,411
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Downey (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44,806 | Actual |
| 2020 | $45,998 | Actual |
| 2021 | $46,747 | Actual |
| 2022 | $48,510 | Actual |
| 2023 | $55,487 | Actual |
| 2024 | $59,550 | Actual |
| 2025 | $60,105 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $63,411 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $66,898 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Downey metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $44,806 (2019) to $60,105 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $66,898 by 2027 — a total increase of $22,092 (49.31%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Downey 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) | $44,592 – $51,963 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $51,963 – $63,411 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $63,411 – $79,427 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $79,427 – $88,302 |
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 Downey
The job market for veterinary technologists and technicians in Downey is relatively small, with about 22 individuals currently employed in this capacity. The cost-of-living index sits at 113.1, indicating that while salaries may be higher than the national average, local living expenses are also elevated. Corporate chains like VCA and BluePearl typically offer competitive wages, often paying a premium for VTS holders compared to general practice clinics. Factors influencing the salary range include credentials, the setting of employment—whether in general practice, specialty hospitals, or emergency care—and additional responsibilities like mentorship. To maximize earning potential, aspiring technologists in Downey should consider pursuing VTS certifications, gaining experience in high-demand specialties, and seeking out roles in corporate or specialty practices, as these venues tend to provide the most lucrative opportunities in the local market.
More salary data for Downey, 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 $60,105 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Downey 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 Downey 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