Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Lakewood, CA: $61,034 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Lakewood, CA earns a median $61,034/year (≈ $29.34/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Lakewood's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $53,965 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.5% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Lakewood, CA, the projected 2026 median annual salary for veterinary technologists and technicians stands at $61,034, surpassing the national average of $49,986 by approximately 22.10%. This local figure demonstrates a strong salary range, with entry-level positions starting around $47,146 and experienced roles reaching up to $81,119. These projections are based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, which accounts for regional cost adjustments, highlighting the local demand for skilled professionals. As veterinary medicine increasingly embraces specialization, those pursuing the Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) credential in areas such as emergency and critical care (ECC) or anesthesia may find themselves positioned for higher earnings in this competitive market.
About the Lakewood Market
Salary estimated from California average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,146 | $22.66 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $49,188 | $23.65 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $61,034 | $29.34 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $74,372 | $35.75 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $81,119 | $39.00 |
Median Salary Position
22.10% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lakewood
In Lakewood, CA, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $33,973 (2026 est.). At $61,034, the local median is 22.1% above the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Lakewood: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Lakewood Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Lakewood median: $61,034/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Lakewood Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $62,599 | -2.50% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | +22.10% more |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Lakewood, CA earn a median of $61,034 per year (2026 est.), which is 22.10% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 2.50% below the California state average of $62,599.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Lakewood has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Lakewood, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $61,034 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $53,965 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$43,126
2025 BLS Actual
$57,852
2026 Current Est.
$61,034
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Lakewood (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $43,126 | Actual |
| 2020 | $44,274 | Actual |
| 2021 | $44,995 | Actual |
| 2022 | $46,692 | Actual |
| 2023 | $53,407 | Actual |
| 2024 | $57,318 | Actual |
| 2025 | $57,852 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61,034 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $64,391 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Lakewood metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $43,126 (2019) to $57,852 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $64,391 by 2027 — a total increase of $21,265 (49.31%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lakewood 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) | $47,146 – $49,188 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $49,188 – $61,034 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $61,034 – $74,372 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $74,372 – $81,119 |
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 Lakewood
The veterinary technologist and technician job market in Lakewood is marked by a small yet essential workforce—currently, 19 employed professionals in the area. With a cost-of-living index of 113.1, local salaries reflect the increased expenses of living in California, impacting overall take-home purchasing power. Among the various employers, specialty referral hospitals typically offer the highest pay, particularly for those with VTS credentials, while corporate chain hospitals like VCA and BluePearl enforce a structured pay scale that varies based on tier and location. The significant pay spread is often influenced by factors such as specialty certifications, experience level, and shift differentials available at 24-hour emergency facilities. To maximize earning potential in Lakewood, aspiring veterinary technologists and technicians should consider pursuing advanced certifications and seeking roles in high-demand environments, ensuring they stay competitive in this evolving job market.
More salary data for Lakewood, 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 $57,852 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Lakewood 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 Lakewood 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