Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in El Monte, CA: $64,256 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in El Monte, CA earns a median $64,256/year (≈ $30.89/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in El Monte's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $56,813 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.6% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Reaching the Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) credential, particularly in emergency and critical care (ECC) or anesthesia, significantly enhances earning potential for veterinary technologists and technicians in El Monte, CA. With a projected median annual salary of $64,256 for 2026, professionals in this field have a competitive advantage over the national figure of $49,986, translating to a remarkable 28.55% premium. The salary range for this occupation in El Monte reveals further flexibility, with entry-level positions starting at $46,790 (P10) and experienced technicians earning up to $87,067 (P90). These figures are informed by estimates derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional living costs and market conditions, reflecting the city’s demand for skilled veterinary professionals.
About the El Monte Market
Salary estimated from California average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,790 | $22.49 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51,251 | $24.64 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $64,256 | $30.89 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $79,052 | $38.00 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $87,067 | $41.86 |
Median Salary Position
28.55% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in El Monte
In El Monte, CA, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $40,277 (2026 est.). At $64,256, the local median is 28.55% above the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in El Monte: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How El Monte Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
El Monte median: $64,256/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | El Monte Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $62,628 | +2.60% more |
| National Average | $49,986 | +28.55% more |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in El Monte, CA earn a median of $64,256 per year (2026 est.), which is 28.55% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 2.60% above the California state average of $62,628.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
El Monte has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
El Monte, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $64,256 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $56,813 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$45,403
2025 BLS Actual
$60,906
2026 Current Est.
$64,256
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in El Monte (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45,403 | Actual |
| 2020 | $46,611 | Actual |
| 2021 | $47,370 | Actual |
| 2022 | $49,157 | Actual |
| 2023 | $56,227 | Actual |
| 2024 | $60,343 | Actual |
| 2025 | $60,906 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $64,256 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67,790 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the El Monte metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $45,403 (2019) to $60,906 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $67,790 by 2027 — a total increase of $22,387 (49.31%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the El Monte 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) | $46,790 – $51,251 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $51,251 – $64,256 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $64,256 – $79,052 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $79,052 – $87,067 |
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 El Monte
In El Monte, about 20 veterinary technologists and technicians are currently employed, indicative of a tight local labor market that supports solid employment opportunities. With a cost-of-living index at 113.1, practitioners must weigh their salary against housing and living expenses; thus, net earnings can feel considerably impacted. Among local employers, corporate chain hospitals like VCA and BluePearl often provide the highest pay scales due to their established structures, while specialty hospitals in areas such as oncology and surgery can command even greater salaries, particularly for those holding VTS credentials. Factors contributing to the salary differential include the credentials earned, type of practice (specialty vs. general), and roles with added responsibilities, such as mentorship or shift-leading positions, especially in 24-hour emergency facilities. To maximize earnings, professionals should consider pursuing specialty credentials and gaining experience in high-demand settings like ER and specialty hospitals in the region.
More salary data for El Monte, 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 $60,906 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the El Monte 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 El Monte 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