Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Santa Ana, CA: $66,353 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Santa Ana, CA earns a median $66,353/year (≈ $31.90/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Santa Ana's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $58,668 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.0% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the salary for veterinary technologists and technicians in Santa Ana, CA is projected to be quite competitive, with a median annual income of $66,353. This figure notably surpasses the national median of $49,986 by 32.74%, reflecting the local market’s demand for skilled professionals. Salary structure varies significantly, spanning from $46,185 at the lower end (P10) to $91,427 at the higher end (P90). The financial incentives extend beyond mere entry-level positions, with specialized roles in veterinary specialty hospitals typically offering higher salaries than those found in general practice settings. Santa Ana's job market remains strong, indicating a fruitful opportunity for professionals seeking to advance their careers in this dynamic environment.
About the Santa Ana Market
Salary estimated from California average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,185 | $22.21 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51,634 | $24.82 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $66,353 | $31.90 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $82,322 | $39.57 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $91,427 | $43.95 |
Median Salary Position
32.74% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Santa Ana
In Santa Ana, CA, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $45,242 (2026 est.). At $66,353, the local median is 32.74% above the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Santa Ana: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Santa Ana Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Santa Ana median: $66,353/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Santa Ana Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $62,597 | +6.00% more |
| National Average | $49,986 | +32.74% more |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Santa Ana, CA earn a median of $66,353 per year (2026 est.), which is 32.74% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 6.00% above the California state average of $62,597.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Santa Ana has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Santa Ana, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $66,353 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $58,668 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$46,885
2025 BLS Actual
$62,894
2026 Current Est.
$66,353
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Santa Ana (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $46,885 | Actual |
| 2020 | $48,133 | Actual |
| 2021 | $48,916 | Actual |
| 2022 | $50,761 | Actual |
| 2023 | $58,062 | Actual |
| 2024 | $62,313 | Actual |
| 2025 | $62,894 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $66,353 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $70,003 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Santa Ana metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $46,885 (2019) to $62,894 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $70,003 by 2027 — a total increase of $23,118 (49.31%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Santa Ana 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) | $46,185 – $51,634 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $51,634 – $66,353 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $66,353 – $82,322 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $82,322 – $91,427 |
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 Santa Ana
The local job market features approximately 69 veterinary technologists and technicians, contributing to a competitive landscape where remuneration is influenced by various factors. At a cost-of-living index of 113.1, Santa Ana's expenses are above the national average, which affects take-home purchasing power. Employers offering the most attractive pay are often found within specialty referral hospitals, especially those focusing on emergency care, internal medicine, or oncology. The range between lower and higher salaries can be attributed to the varying expertise levels: VTS specialty credential holders often command higher wages, while corporate chain hospitals like VCA and BluePearl provide distinct pay scales. To maximize earning potential in the Santa Ana market, aspiring veterinary professionals should consider pursuing advanced specialties, seeking roles in high-demand specialties, and leveraging experience in 24-hour emergency hospitals where shift differentials can contribute significantly to overall compensation.
More salary data for Santa Ana, 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 $62,894 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Santa Ana 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 Santa Ana 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