Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in San Bernardino, CA: $61,805 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in San Bernardino, CA earns a median $61,805/year (≈ $29.71/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in San Bernardino's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $54,646 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.3% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, reaching a median salary of $61,805 for veterinary technologists and technicians in San Bernardino highlights the notable earning potential within this field, particularly for those pursuing VTS specialty credentials in emergency and critical care or anesthesia. The full salary range extends from $42,341 at the lower decile to $88,266 for those at the higher decile, reflecting a well-defined pay structure influenced by various factors such as experience and specialization. These local figures, derived from 2025 BLS data, underscore a competitive job market where skilled professionals can thrive, with the area experiencing a 5.50% annual growth rate anticipated over the next several years.
About the San Bernardino Market
Salary estimated from California average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $42,341 | $20.36 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51,145 | $24.59 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $61,805 | $29.71 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $76,132 | $36.60 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $88,266 | $42.43 |
Median Salary Position
23.64% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in San Bernardino
In San Bernardino, CA, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $45,925 (2026 est.). At $61,805, the local median is 23.64% above the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in San Bernardino: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How San Bernardino Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
San Bernardino median: $61,805/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | San Bernardino Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $62,619 | -1.30% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | +23.64% more |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in San Bernardino, CA earn a median of $61,805 per year (2026 est.), which is 23.64% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 1.30% below the California state average of $62,619.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
San Bernardino has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
San Bernardino, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $61,805 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $54,646 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$43,671
2025 BLS Actual
$58,583
2026 Current Est.
$61,805
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in San Bernardino (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $43,671 | Actual |
| 2020 | $44,834 | Actual |
| 2021 | $45,563 | Actual |
| 2022 | $47,282 | Actual |
| 2023 | $54,082 | Actual |
| 2024 | $60,651 | Actual |
| 2025 | $58,583 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61,805 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $65,204 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the San Bernardino metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $43,671 (2019) to $58,583 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $65,204 by 2027 — a total increase of $21,533 (49.31%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the San Bernardino 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) | $42,341 – $51,145 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $51,145 – $61,805 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $61,805 – $76,132 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $76,132 – $88,266 |
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 San Bernardino
The job market for veterinary technologists and technicians in San Bernardino is robust, with 33 individuals currently employed in this sector. However, the cost-of-living index at 113.1 indicates that while salaries are competitive, the purchasing power may be impacted, necessitating a strategic approach to financial planning. Employers such as specialty referral hospitals and corporate chains often pay the highest wages, influenced by the complexities of work and demand for specialized skills. Factors determining the pay spread include the presence of VTS credentials, as those specializing in emergency and critical care command top salaries, while general practices typically offer lower wages. To maximize earnings in this market, aspiring technicians should consider obtaining VTS certifications, seeking positions at specialty hospitals, and being open to shift work in emergency settings, as these avenues can significantly enhance overall compensation.
More salary data for San Bernardino, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do veterinary technologists and technicians make in San Bernardino, CA in 2026?
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Can veterinary technologists and technicians make $100K in San Bernardino?
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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 $58,583 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the San Bernardino 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 San Bernardino 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