Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Rialto, CA: $63,780 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Rialto, CA earns a median $63,780/year (≈ $30.66/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Rialto's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $56,393 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.8% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Reaching the level of a Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) in emergency and critical care (ECC) or anesthesia can significantly enhance one’s earning potential in Rialto, CA, where the median annual salary is projected to be $63,780 in 2026. The salary range varies notably, from $45,691 at the 10th percentile to $85,443 at the 90th percentile. These figures are derived from 2025 BLS data, reflecting local estimates that account for California’s cost-of-living adjustments. Compared to the national median of $49,986, veterinary technologist and technician salaries in Rialto are approximately 27.60% higher, indicating a robust demand for well-trained professionals in this field.
About the Rialto Market
Salary estimated from California average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,691 | $21.97 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50,301 | $24.18 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $63,780 | $30.66 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $77,885 | $37.44 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $85,443 | $41.08 |
Median Salary Position
27.60% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Rialto
In Rialto, CA, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $39,752 (2026 est.). At $63,780, the local median is 27.6% above the national median of $49,986.
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At 40 hours/week in Rialto: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Rialto Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Rialto median: $63,780/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Rialto Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $62,652 | +1.80% more |
| National Average | $49,986 | +27.60% more |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Rialto, CA earn a median of $63,780 per year (2026 est.), which is 27.60% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 1.80% above the California state average of $62,652.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Rialto has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Rialto, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $63,780 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $56,393 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$45,067
2025 BLS Actual
$60,455
2026 Current Est.
$63,780
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Rialto (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45,067 | Actual |
| 2020 | $46,266 | Actual |
| 2021 | $47,019 | Actual |
| 2022 | $48,793 | Actual |
| 2023 | $55,811 | Actual |
| 2024 | $59,897 | Actual |
| 2025 | $60,455 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $63,780 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67,288 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Rialto metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $45,067 (2019) to $60,455 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $67,288 by 2027 — a total increase of $22,221 (49.31%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Rialto 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) | $45,691 – $50,301 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $50,301 – $63,780 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $63,780 – $77,885 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $77,885 – $85,443 |
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 Rialto
Rialto currently employs 17 veterinary technologists and technicians, highlighting a local market that could benefit from the ongoing workforce shortage affecting the veterinary sector. The cost of living in Rialto is indexed at 113.1, meaning that while salaries are competitive, the local expenses may impact overall take-home compensation. Among the employers in the area, specialty referral hospitals often pay higher rates than general practice clinics, particularly for those with VTS specialties, due to the advanced skills required in critical or specialty care. The dispersion in salaries can often be traced back to these necessary qualifications, the differences in corporate pay scales among larger chains like VCA and BluePearl, and roles involving leadership or shift differentials in emergency settings. To optimize earnings, individuals in the Rialto market should consider pursuing specialty certifications, seeking positions with corporate chains or specialty hospitals, and taking on leadership responsibilities within their teams.
More salary data for Rialto, 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 $60,455 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Rialto 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 Rialto 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