Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Riverside, CA: $61,728 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Riverside, CA earns a median $61,728/year (≈ $29.68/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Riverside's price level (6% above national, BEA RPP 106.4), that paycheck buys what $57,992 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.4% below the California state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Riverside, California, the projected annual salary for veterinary technologists and technicians sits at $61,728 for 2026, significantly higher than the national median of $49,986. This range spans from $49,564 at the 10th percentile to $77,215 at the 90th percentile, reflecting a competitive market for skilled professionals in the field. These salary figures are derived from BLS 2025 OEWS data, projected to 2026, and illustrate how Riverside's employment opportunities are influenced by the presence of both corporate chains such as VCA and BluePearl, as well as independent and specialty practices. As demand for veterinary services continues to grow, the compensation for these vital roles is expected to follow suit, positioning Riverside as an attractive locale for professionals pursuing a veterinary technologist and technician salary in Riverside.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $49,564 | $23.83 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $52,360 | $25.17 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $61,728 | $29.68 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $64,260 | $30.89 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $77,215 | $37.13 |
Median Salary Position
23.49% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Riverside
In Riverside, CA, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $27,651 (2026 est.). At $61,728, the local median is 23.49% above the national median of $49,986.
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At 40 hours/week in Riverside: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Riverside Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Riverside median: $61,728/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Riverside Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $62,605 | -1.40% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | +23.49% more |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Riverside, CA earn a median of $61,728 per year (2026 est.), which is 23.49% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 1.40% below the California state average of $62,605.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Riverside has a cost of living 6.44% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Riverside, CA has a cost-of-living index of 106.442 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $61,728 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $57,992 — a 6.05% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$32,070
2025 BLS Actual
$58,510
2026 Current Est.
$61,728
2019–2027 Growth
+103.1%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Riverside (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32,070 | Actual |
| 2020 | $33,810 | Actual |
| 2021 | $37,480 | Actual |
| 2022 | $46,720 | Actual |
| 2023 | $47,930 | Actual |
| 2024 | $48,680 | Actual |
| 2025 | $58,510 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61,728 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $65,123 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Riverside metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 82.4% from $32,070 (2019) to $58,510 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $65,123 by 2027 — a total increase of $33,053 (103.07%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Riverside 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) | $49,564 – $52,360 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $52,360 – $61,728 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $61,728 – $64,260 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $64,260 – $77,215 |
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 Riverside
In this region, approximately 910 veterinary technologists and technicians currently contribute to a thriving job market. However, the cost of living in Riverside, reflected by a cost-of-living index of 106.442, influences how far these salaries stretch in terms of purchasing power. Among local employers, corporate chain hospitals generally offer the highest compensation, with those in specialty fields like emergency care and internal medicine commanding even more. Factors such as obtaining a Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) credential, experience in fast-paced emergency environments, and taking on lead roles can significantly enhance earnings potential. Staying updated on job openings and continuously enhancing skill sets can lead to better pay as professionals navigate the competitive landscape within Riverside's veterinary community.
More salary data for Riverside, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do veterinary technologists and technicians make in Riverside, CA in 2026?
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Can veterinary technologists and technicians make $100K in Riverside?
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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 $58,510 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Riverside 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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