Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Huntington Beach, CA: $62,843 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Huntington Beach, CA earns a median $62,843/year (≈ $30.22/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Huntington Beach's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $55,564 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.3% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Huntington Beach, CA, the projected median annual salary for veterinary technologists and technicians is $62,843 in 2026, representing a remarkable 25.72% increase compared to the national median of $49,986. Local figures indicate a salary range from $48,427 at the 10th percentile to $88,537 at the 90th percentile, showcasing the diverse opportunities available within this profession. These estimates, based on 2025 BLS OEWS data projected to 2026, highlight not only the attractiveness of the paycheck but also the potential for career advancement. Those looking to pursue roles in specialty hospitals may find higher wages compared to general practice settings, reflecting the increasing demand for skilled technicians across various veterinary fields.
About the Huntington Beach Market
Salary estimated from California average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,427 | $23.28 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $52,191 | $25.09 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $62,843 | $30.22 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $75,662 | $36.38 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $88,537 | $42.57 |
Median Salary Position
25.72% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Huntington Beach
In Huntington Beach, CA, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $40,110 (2026 est.). At $62,843, the local median is 25.72% above the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Huntington Beach: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Huntington Beach Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Huntington Beach median: $62,843/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Huntington Beach Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $62,655 | +0.30% more |
| National Average | $49,986 | +25.72% more |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Huntington Beach, CA earn a median of $62,843 per year (2026 est.), which is 25.72% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 0.30% above the California state average of $62,655.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Huntington Beach has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Huntington Beach, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $62,843 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $55,564 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$44,405
2025 BLS Actual
$59,567
2026 Current Est.
$62,843
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Huntington Beach (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44,405 | Actual |
| 2020 | $45,587 | Actual |
| 2021 | $46,328 | Actual |
| 2022 | $48,076 | Actual |
| 2023 | $54,991 | Actual |
| 2024 | $59,018 | Actual |
| 2025 | $59,567 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $62,843 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $66,300 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Huntington Beach metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $44,405 (2019) to $59,567 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $66,300 by 2027 — a total increase of $21,895 (49.31%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Huntington Beach 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) | $48,427 – $52,191 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $52,191 – $62,843 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $62,843 – $75,662 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $75,662 – $88,537 |
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 Huntington Beach
With about 50 veterinary technologists and technicians currently employed in Huntington Beach, the local job market shows promise amid a rising cost of living, indicated by a cost-of-living index of 113.1. This figure signifies that living expenses are above the national average, which can impact purchasing power for veterinary professionals. Employers from diverse backgrounds such as specialty referral hospitals and corporate chains like VCA and BluePearl tend to offer higher pay, driven by the need for specialized skills and certifications. Those with a Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) credential can command substantially higher salaries, often ranging from $30 to $45 per hour, while participating in shift differentials can also enhance income. Strategically seeking roles in high-demand specializations or corporate settings, along with gaining additional certifications, could effectively maximize earning potential in Huntington Beach's competitive market.
More salary data for Huntington Beach, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do veterinary technologists and technicians make in Huntington Beach, CA in 2026?
Is Huntington Beach, CA a good place to work as a veterinary technologist and technician?
Can veterinary technologists and technicians make $100K in Huntington Beach?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted veterinary technologist and technician salary in Huntington Beach?
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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 $59,567 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Huntington Beach 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 Huntington Beach 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