Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Ontario, CA: $62,560 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Ontario, CA earns a median $62,560/year (≈ $30.08/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Ontario's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $55,314 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.1% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, veterinary technologists and technicians in Ontario, California, can expect a median annual salary of $62,560, reflecting a significant 25.16% increase over the national median of $49,986. This salary range extends from $45,320 at the 10th percentile to $84,463 at the 90th percentile, indicating a notable pay gradient driven by employment settings. Salary determinations are influenced by various factors including the decision to work in specialty hospitals versus general practices, with the former generally offering higher compensation due to the complexity and demands of specialty care services. Based on estimates derived from 2025 BLS data, projected to 2026, this compensation structure illustrates how local market conditions and the types of practices impact earnings in Ontario.
About the Ontario Market
Salary estimated from California average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,320 | $21.79 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $49,720 | $23.91 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $62,560 | $30.08 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $76,784 | $36.91 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $84,463 | $40.61 |
Median Salary Position
25.16% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Ontario
In Ontario, CA, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $39,143 (2026 est.). At $62,560, the local median is 25.16% above the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Ontario: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Ontario Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Ontario median: $62,560/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Ontario Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $62,623 | -0.10% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | +25.16% more |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Ontario, CA earn a median of $62,560 per year (2026 est.), which is 25.16% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 0.10% below the California state average of $62,623.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Ontario has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Ontario, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $62,560 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $55,314 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$44,205
2025 BLS Actual
$59,299
2026 Current Est.
$62,560
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Ontario (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44,205 | Actual |
| 2020 | $45,382 | Actual |
| 2021 | $46,120 | Actual |
| 2022 | $47,860 | Actual |
| 2023 | $54,743 | Actual |
| 2024 | $60,201 | Actual |
| 2025 | $59,299 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $62,560 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $66,001 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Ontario metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $44,205 (2019) to $59,299 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $66,001 by 2027 — a total increase of $21,796 (49.31%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Ontario 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) | $45,320 – $49,720 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $49,720 – $62,560 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $62,560 – $76,784 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $76,784 – $84,463 |
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 Ontario
The job market for veterinary technologists and technicians in Ontario consists of about 42 professionals, with the cost-of-living index at 113.1, which indicates that living expenses are slightly above the national average. This economic reality means that while salaries are competitive, the purchasing power may not reflect the wage figures when considering typical expenses. Among local employers, specialty referral hospitals often offer the best pay, especially for those holding VTS credentials in areas like emergency and critical care, anesthesia, or internal medicine. The disparity between lower and higher salaries within the field arises from factors such as the type of practice, demand for advanced skills, and corporate pay scales from chains like VCA and BluePearl. For those looking to maximize their earnings in Ontario, pursuing specialization and considering positions in 24-hour emergency clinics or specialty hospitals can make a significant difference in overall compensation.
More salary data for Ontario, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do veterinary technologists and technicians make in Ontario, CA in 2026?
Is Ontario, CA a good place to work as a veterinary technologist and technician?
Can veterinary technologists and technicians make $100K in Ontario?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted veterinary technologist and technician salary in Ontario?
How much does a veterinary technologist and technician make per hour in Ontario?
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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 $59,299 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Ontario 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 Ontario 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