Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Pasadena, CA: $63,107 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Pasadena, CA earns a median $63,107/year (≈ $30.34/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Pasadena's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $55,798 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.8% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Pasadena, California, the veterinary technologist and technician salary is projected to be an attractive $63,107 in 2026, significantly higher than the national median of $49,986. This local figure reflects a full salary range from $47,300 at the 10th percentile to $87,097 at the 90th percentile, showcasing the potential for growth within this field. These projections are derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted to account for regional cost factors in Pasadena, where the cost of living index is notably higher at 113.1. With corporate chains like VCA and BluePearl influencing pay scales, Pasadena presents a competitive job market for veterinary technologists and technicians, particularly given the acute workforce shortage in the industry.
About the Pasadena Market
Salary estimated from California average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,300 | $22.74 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51,354 | $24.69 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $63,107 | $30.34 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $78,777 | $37.87 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $87,097 | $41.87 |
Median Salary Position
26.25% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Pasadena
In Pasadena, CA, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $39,797 (2026 est.). At $63,107, the local median is 26.25% above the national median of $49,986.
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At 40 hours/week in Pasadena: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Pasadena Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Pasadena median: $63,107/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Pasadena Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $62,606 | +0.80% more |
| National Average | $49,986 | +26.25% more |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Pasadena, CA earn a median of $63,107 per year (2026 est.), which is 26.25% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 0.80% above the California state average of $62,606.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Pasadena has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Pasadena, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $63,107 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $55,798 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$44,591
2025 BLS Actual
$59,817
2026 Current Est.
$63,107
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Pasadena (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44,591 | Actual |
| 2020 | $45,778 | Actual |
| 2021 | $46,523 | Actual |
| 2022 | $48,278 | Actual |
| 2023 | $55,222 | Actual |
| 2024 | $59,265 | Actual |
| 2025 | $59,817 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $63,107 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $66,578 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Pasadena metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $44,591 (2019) to $59,817 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $66,578 by 2027 — a total increase of $21,987 (49.31%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Pasadena 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) | $47,300 – $51,354 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $51,354 – $63,107 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $63,107 – $78,777 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $78,777 – $87,097 |
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 Pasadena
With 35 veterinary technologists and technicians currently employed in Pasadena, the job market is stable but competitive. The elevated cost of living impacts the take-home purchasing power of professionals in the area, making specialization a key factor in salary advancement. Corporate chain hospitals typically offer higher wages and structured pay scales, especially for roles requiring VTS specialty credentials in areas like emergency care or anesthesia, which command premium rates. Additionally, salaries vary significantly depending on the setting—those in specialty hospitals or mentorship roles at 24-hour ER facilities often enjoy higher earnings due to shift differentials and additional responsibilities. To maximize their pay in this market, technicians should consider pursuing VTS certification and seeking employment with established corporate chains or specialty practices that recognize and reward the skills and specialties of veterinary technicians.
More salary data for Pasadena, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do veterinary technologists and technicians make in Pasadena, CA in 2026?
Is Pasadena, CA a good place to work as a veterinary technologist and technician?
Can veterinary technologists and technicians make $100K in Pasadena?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted veterinary technologist and technician salary in Pasadena?
How much does a veterinary technologist and technician make per hour in Pasadena?
Related Pages
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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 $59,817 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Pasadena 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 Pasadena 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