Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Santa Monica, CA: $63,296 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Santa Monica, CA earns a median $63,296/year (≈ $30.43/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Santa Monica's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $55,965 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.1% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the veterinary technologist and technician salary in Santa Monica is projected to reach $63,296 annually, significantly higher than the national median of $49,986. This local market offers a salary range from $47,458 at the 10th percentile to $82,251 at the 90th percentile, reflecting various levels of experience and specialization. These figures are drawn from estimates based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, adjusted for the regional cost of living. The solid earning potential in Santa Monica can be especially appealing for those pursuing the VTS specialty credential pathways, particularly in emergency and critical care (VTS-ECC) or anesthesia. Such credentials not only enhance employability but can command higher wages in a city where demand for skilled veterinary technologists and technicians is robust.
About the Santa Monica Market
Salary estimated from California average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,458 | $22.82 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51,370 | $24.70 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $63,296 | $30.43 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $76,150 | $36.61 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $82,251 | $39.54 |
Median Salary Position
26.63% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Santa Monica
In Santa Monica, CA, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $34,793 (2026 est.). At $63,296, the local median is 26.63% above the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Santa Monica: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Santa Monica Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Santa Monica median: $63,296/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Santa Monica Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $62,607 | +1.10% more |
| National Average | $49,986 | +26.63% more |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Santa Monica, CA earn a median of $63,296 per year (2026 est.), which is 26.63% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 1.10% above the California state average of $62,607.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Santa Monica has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Santa Monica, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $63,296 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $55,965 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$44,725
2025 BLS Actual
$59,996
2026 Current Est.
$63,296
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Santa Monica (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44,725 | Actual |
| 2020 | $45,915 | Actual |
| 2021 | $46,662 | Actual |
| 2022 | $48,422 | Actual |
| 2023 | $55,387 | Actual |
| 2024 | $59,442 | Actual |
| 2025 | $59,996 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $63,296 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $66,777 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Santa Monica metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $44,725 (2019) to $59,996 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $66,777 by 2027 — a total increase of $22,052 (49.31%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Santa Monica 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) | $47,458 – $51,370 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $51,370 – $63,296 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $63,296 – $76,150 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $76,150 – $82,251 |
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 Monica
With only 20 veterinary technologists and technicians currently employed in Santa Monica, competition for positions is considerable, particularly in specialty referral hospitals and corporate chain facilities that often pay the highest in the region. The cost-of-living index of 113.1 indicates that while salaries are competitive, professionals may find their purchasing power somewhat constrained compared to national averages. Top employers in the area include corporate chains, like VCA and BluePearl, and specialty hospitals focused on surgery, internal medicine, and emergency care, which offer differentiated pay scales reflective of the skills required. To maximize earnings in this competitive landscape, those in Santa Monica should consider obtaining VTS specialty credentials, as these designations are instrumental in differentiating oneself from peers, particularly as the veterinary technician workforce shortage continues.
More salary data for Santa Monica, 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 $59,996 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Santa Monica 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 Monica 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