Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Thousand Oaks, CA: $63,475 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Thousand Oaks, CA earns a median $63,475/year (≈ $30.52/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Thousand Oaks's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $56,123 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.4% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For veterinary technologists and technicians in Thousand Oaks, the 2026 projected median annual salary is $63,475, significantly higher than the national median of $49,986. This figure reflects the growing demand for skilled professionals in the field, especially those who pursue the Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) credentials in Emergency and Critical Care (ECC) or anesthesia. With a salary range between $49,217 and $87,542, it’s clear that specialized training can substantially enhance earning potential. These estimates are derived from 2025 BLS data, projected to 2026, and adjusted for local cost considerations which are evident in Thousand Oaks, where the cost of living index is above the national average.
About the Thousand Oaks Market
Salary estimated from California average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $49,217 | $23.66 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $52,897 | $25.44 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $63,475 | $30.52 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $79,003 | $37.98 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $87,542 | $42.08 |
Median Salary Position
26.99% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Thousand Oaks
In Thousand Oaks, CA, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $38,325 (2026 est.). At $63,475, the local median is 26.99% above the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Thousand Oaks: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Thousand Oaks Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Thousand Oaks median: $63,475/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Thousand Oaks Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $62,599 | +1.40% more |
| National Average | $49,986 | +26.99% more |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Thousand Oaks, CA earn a median of $63,475 per year (2026 est.), which is 26.99% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 1.40% above the California state average of $62,599.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Thousand Oaks has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Thousand Oaks, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $63,475 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $56,123 — a 11.58% reduction.
Compare Purchasing Power
Select a city to see how your salary compares after cost of living
Select a city above to compare purchasing power
2019 BLS Actual
$44,851
2025 BLS Actual
$60,166
2026 Current Est.
$63,475
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Thousand Oaks (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44,851 | Actual |
| 2020 | $46,045 | Actual |
| 2021 | $46,794 | Actual |
| 2022 | $48,559 | Actual |
| 2023 | $55,544 | Actual |
| 2024 | $59,160 | Actual |
| 2025 | $60,166 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $63,475 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $66,966 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Thousand Oaks metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $44,851 (2019) to $60,166 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $66,966 by 2027 — a total increase of $22,115 (49.31%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Thousand Oaks 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) | $49,217 – $52,897 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $52,897 – $63,475 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $63,475 – $79,003 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $79,003 – $87,542 |
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 Thousand Oaks
In Thousand Oaks, there are currently 32 veterinary technologists and technicians employed, a number reflecting the region's competitive job market. The relatively high cost of living, represented by a CoL index of 113.1, suggests that while salaries are above national averages, take-home pay may not stretch as far as in less expensive areas. Among local employers, corporate chain hospitals, such as VCA and BluePearl, often offer the most competitive pay structures, which may include differentials based on experience and specialty. The pay spread can be attributed to various factors, including the demand for VTS credentials, available roles in specialty hospitals versus general practice, and the potential for lead or mentor positions with higher compensation. To maximize earnings in Thousand Oaks, pursuing specialty certifications and seeking positions in specialty hospitals or 24-hour emergency clinics could be key strategies for veterinary technologists and technicians.
More salary data for Thousand Oaks, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do veterinary technologists and technicians make in Thousand Oaks, CA in 2026?
Is Thousand Oaks, CA a good place to work as a veterinary technologist and technician?
Can veterinary technologists and technicians make $100K in Thousand Oaks?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted veterinary technologist and technician salary in Thousand Oaks?
How much does a veterinary technologist and technician make per hour in Thousand Oaks?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in California
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 $60,166 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Thousand Oaks 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 Thousand Oaks 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