Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Hawthorne, CA: $61,877 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Hawthorne, CA earns a median $61,877/year (≈ $29.75/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Hawthorne's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $54,710 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.2% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the projected median annual salary for veterinary technologists and technicians in Hawthorne is $61,877, representing a notable increase of 23.79% compared to the national median of $49,986. The salary range varies significantly, from $44,193 at the 10th percentile to $79,991 at the 90th percentile, indicating varying levels of experience and specialization within the field. These figures are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for local cost of living which is indexed at 113.1, illustrating the higher economic demand in this area. In Hawthorne, those working in specialty hospitals can typically expect higher pay gradients than their counterparts in general practice settings, reflecting the skills and expertise required for advanced veterinary care.
About the Hawthorne Market
Salary estimated from California average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $44,193 | $21.25 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $52,232 | $25.11 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $61,877 | $29.75 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $74,050 | $35.61 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $79,991 | $38.45 |
Median Salary Position
23.79% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Hawthorne
In Hawthorne, CA, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $35,798 (2026 est.). At $61,877, the local median is 23.79% above the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Hawthorne: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Hawthorne Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Hawthorne median: $61,877/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Hawthorne Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $62,628 | -1.20% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | +23.79% more |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Hawthorne, CA earn a median of $61,877 per year (2026 est.), which is 23.79% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 1.20% below the California state average of $62,628.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Hawthorne has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Hawthorne, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $61,877 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $54,710 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$43,722
2025 BLS Actual
$58,651
2026 Current Est.
$61,877
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Hawthorne (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $43,722 | Actual |
| 2020 | $44,886 | Actual |
| 2021 | $45,616 | Actual |
| 2022 | $47,337 | Actual |
| 2023 | $54,145 | Actual |
| 2024 | $58,110 | Actual |
| 2025 | $58,651 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61,877 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $65,280 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Hawthorne metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $43,722 (2019) to $58,651 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $65,280 by 2027 — a total increase of $21,558 (49.31%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hawthorne 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) | $44,193 – $52,232 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $52,232 – $61,877 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $61,877 – $74,050 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $74,050 – $79,991 |
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 Hawthorne
The job market for veterinary technologists and technicians in Hawthorne currently employs 13 professionals, a relatively small but integral group in the local healthcare system. With a cost-of-living index of 113.1, it’s crucial for these professionals to understand how their earnings translate into real purchasing power. Corporate chain hospitals like VCA and BluePearl tend to offer competitive salaries, while specialty hospitals that focus on emergency and critical care, surgery, or internal medicine often provide the highest compensation. Factors driving the income variance include specialty certifications in fields such as emergency care or anesthesia, as well as potential differentials for night shifts and leadership roles within 24-hour facilities. To maximize their earning potential in Hawthorne, veterinary technologists and technicians should consider pursuing specialty credentials like the VTS while remaining adaptable to the shifting employment landscape shaped by ongoing corporate consolidation in veterinary care.
More salary data for Hawthorne, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do veterinary technologists and technicians make in Hawthorne, CA in 2026?
Is Hawthorne, CA a good place to work as a veterinary technologist and technician?
Can veterinary technologists and technicians make $100K in Hawthorne?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted veterinary technologist and technician salary in Hawthorne?
How much does a veterinary technologist and technician make per hour in Hawthorne?
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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 $58,651 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Hawthorne 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 Hawthorne 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