Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in South Gate, CA: $61,689 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in South Gate, CA earns a median $61,689/year (≈ $29.66/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in South Gate's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $54,544 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.5% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In South Gate, CA, veterinary technologists and technicians can expect to earn a median annual salary of $61,689 in 2026, which reflects a notable 23.41% increase above the national median of $49,986. The salary range spans from $48,441 at the 10th percentile to $83,292 at the 90th percentile, indicating a diversity in earnings based on experience and credentials. These estimates are derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for local cost-of-living factors and regional price parities. Given that corporate chains like VCA and BluePearl significantly influence pay scales within this market, professionals in South Gate are positioned to benefit from competitive compensation compared to other areas, making it an appealing place for those in the veterinary field.
About the South Gate Market
Salary estimated from California average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,441 | $23.29 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50,499 | $24.28 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $61,689 | $29.66 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $75,952 | $36.51 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $83,292 | $40.05 |
Median Salary Position
23.41% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in South Gate
In South Gate, CA, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $34,851 (2026 est.). At $61,689, the local median is 23.41% above the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in South Gate: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How South Gate Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
South Gate median: $61,689/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | South Gate Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $62,628 | -1.50% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | +23.41% more |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in South Gate, CA earn a median of $61,689 per year (2026 est.), which is 23.41% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 1.50% below the California state average of $62,628.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
South Gate has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
South Gate, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $61,689 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $54,544 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$43,589
2025 BLS Actual
$58,473
2026 Current Est.
$61,689
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in South Gate (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $43,589 | Actual |
| 2020 | $44,749 | Actual |
| 2021 | $45,478 | Actual |
| 2022 | $47,193 | Actual |
| 2023 | $53,981 | Actual |
| 2024 | $57,933 | Actual |
| 2025 | $58,473 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61,689 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $65,082 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the South Gate metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $43,589 (2019) to $58,473 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $65,082 by 2027 — a total increase of $21,493 (49.31%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the South Gate 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) | $48,441 – $50,499 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $50,499 – $61,689 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $61,689 – $75,952 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $75,952 – $83,292 |
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 South Gate
A total of 25 veterinary technologists and technicians are currently employed in the South Gate area, demonstrating a solid market presence in this field. The cost of living index stands at 113.1, slightly above the national average, which impacts the overall purchasing power of take-home salaries. In terms of pay, corporate chain hospitals such as VCA and BluePearl tend to offer higher salaries compared to general practice clinics, while specialty referral hospitals can command top-tier wages. The disparity in earnings can be attributed to factors such as veterinary technician specialist (VTS) credentials, which can lead to enhanced compensation, as well as pay differentials inherent in corporate structures and specialty settings. For those seeking to optimize their pay in South Gate, pursuing VTS certification and gaining experience in high-demand specialty areas can substantially elevate one's earning potential.
More salary data for South Gate, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do veterinary technologists and technicians make in South Gate, CA in 2026?
Is South Gate, CA a good place to work as a veterinary technologist and technician?
Can veterinary technologists and technicians make $100K in South Gate?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted veterinary technologist and technician salary in South Gate?
How much does a veterinary technologist and technician make per hour in South Gate?
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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 $58,473 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the South Gate 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 South Gate 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