Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Fontana, CA: $65,125 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Fontana, CA earns a median $65,125/year (≈ $31.31/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Fontana's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $57,582 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.0% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the veterinary technologist and technician salary in Fontana, California, reaches a median of $65,125, a significant increase compared to the national median of $49,986. The salary range in this market is broad, peaking at $89,768 for the top earners and starting nearby $45,385 for entry-level positions. These figures reflect local estimates derived from 2025 BLS data and adjustments for regional cost of living, indicating a labor market that competes favorably against many other cities in California. With major employers like VCA and BluePearl operating in Fontana, the corporate pay-scale structures influence compensation, contributing to a positive outlook for those entering the field.
About the Fontana Market
Salary estimated from California average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,385 | $21.82 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50,720 | $24.38 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $65,125 | $31.31 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $80,817 | $38.86 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $89,768 | $43.16 |
Median Salary Position
30.29% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Fontana
In Fontana, CA, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $44,383 (2026 est.). At $65,125, the local median is 30.29% above the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Fontana: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Fontana Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Fontana median: $65,125/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Fontana Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $62,620 | +4.00% more |
| National Average | $49,986 | +30.29% more |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Fontana, CA earn a median of $65,125 per year (2026 est.), which is 30.29% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 4.00% above the California state average of $62,620.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Fontana has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Fontana, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $65,125 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $57,582 — a 11.58% reduction.
Compare Purchasing Power
Select a city to see how your salary compares after cost of living
Select a city above to compare purchasing power
2019 BLS Actual
$46,017
2025 BLS Actual
$61,730
2026 Current Est.
$65,125
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Fontana (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $46,017 | Actual |
| 2020 | $47,242 | Actual |
| 2021 | $48,011 | Actual |
| 2022 | $49,822 | Actual |
| 2023 | $56,988 | Actual |
| 2024 | $61,160 | Actual |
| 2025 | $61,730 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65,125 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $68,707 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Fontana metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $46,017 (2019) to $61,730 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $68,707 by 2027 — a total increase of $22,690 (49.31%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Fontana 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) | $45,385 – $50,720 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $50,720 – $65,125 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $65,125 – $80,817 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $80,817 – $89,768 |
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 Fontana
The veterinary technician job market in Fontana currently employs about 32 individuals, shedding light on the competitive nature of the profession in this area. Given the cost-of-living index of 113.1, which is above the national average, take-home pay must be carefully managed to maintain purchasing power. Corporate chain hospitals typically pay higher wages compared to general practice clinics, especially when it comes to employing specialists with VTS credentials. Factors that drive the salary disparities include the type of practice, work specializations, and the existence of shift differentials in emergency settings. To maximize earnings here, professionals should consider obtaining specialty certifications and seek out opportunities with corporate employers, which may offer structured pay scales and benefits that enhance overall compensation. With the market projected to grow at an annual rate of 5.50%, the future looks promising for veterinary technologists and technicians in Fontana, CA.
More salary data for Fontana, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do veterinary technologists and technicians make in Fontana, CA in 2026?
Is Fontana, CA a good place to work as a veterinary technologist and technician?
Can veterinary technologists and technicians make $100K in Fontana?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted veterinary technologist and technician salary in Fontana?
How much does a veterinary technologist and technician make per hour in Fontana?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in California
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 $61,730 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Fontana 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 Fontana 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