Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Santa Clarita, CA: $63,985 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Santa Clarita, CA earns a median $63,985/year (≈ $30.76/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Santa Clarita's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $56,574 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.2% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, veterinary technologists and technicians in Santa Clarita, California, can expect to earn a median annual salary of $63,985, reflecting the city's competitive pay-scale influenced significantly by corporate chains like VCA and BluePearl. The local salary range spans from $47,555 for the lowest 10% to $90,303 for the top 10% of earners, showcasing the diverse opportunities available in this field. These projections, derived from BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional cost considerations, indicate that Santa Clarita offers a salary that exceeds the national median of $49,986 by approximately 28.01%. Given the rapid growth in demand for skilled veterinary technicians, as evidenced by an annual growth rate of 5.50%, the local job market appears robust for aspiring professionals.
About the Santa Clarita Market
Salary estimated from California average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,555 | $22.86 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $52,254 | $25.12 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $63,985 | $30.76 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $80,485 | $38.70 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $90,303 | $43.41 |
Median Salary Position
28.01% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Santa Clarita
In Santa Clarita, CA, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $42,748 (2026 est.). At $63,985, the local median is 28.01% above the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Santa Clarita: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Santa Clarita Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Santa Clarita median: $63,985/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Santa Clarita Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $62,607 | +2.20% more |
| National Average | $49,986 | +28.01% more |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Santa Clarita, CA earn a median of $63,985 per year (2026 est.), which is 28.01% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 2.20% above the California state average of $62,607.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Santa Clarita has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Santa Clarita, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $63,985 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $56,574 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$45,212
2025 BLS Actual
$60,649
2026 Current Est.
$63,985
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Santa Clarita (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45,212 | Actual |
| 2020 | $46,415 | Actual |
| 2021 | $47,170 | Actual |
| 2022 | $48,949 | Actual |
| 2023 | $55,990 | Actual |
| 2024 | $60,089 | Actual |
| 2025 | $60,649 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $63,985 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67,504 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Santa Clarita metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $45,212 (2019) to $60,649 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $67,504 by 2027 — a total increase of $22,292 (49.31%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Santa Clarita 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) | $47,555 – $52,254 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $52,254 – $63,985 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $63,985 – $80,485 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $80,485 – $90,303 |
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 Clarita
In terms of job opportunities, Santa Clarita is home to about 41 veterinary technologists and technicians, which contributes to a dynamic local employment market. The cost of living index stands at 113.1, indicating that while salaries are higher than the national average, the purchasing power of these wages must also contend with local living expenses. Top-paying employers include corporate chain hospitals and specialty referral facilities, where advanced skills and VTS specialty credentials can significantly enhance salary potential. Pay disparities may arise from factors such as the level of specialization, the pay-scale structures of corporate versus general practice settings, and additional shifts or leadership roles that may include higher compensation. Therefore, for those in the veterinary field, pursuing specialty certifications and seeking employment in corporate or specialized institutions may offer the best strategies to maximize earnings in Santa Clarita, CA.
More salary data for Santa Clarita, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do veterinary technologists and technicians make in Santa Clarita, CA in 2026?
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Can veterinary technologists and technicians make $100K in Santa Clarita?
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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 $60,649 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Santa Clarita 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 Clarita 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