Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Torrance, CA: $63,699 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Torrance, CA earns a median $63,699/year (≈ $30.63/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Torrance's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $56,321 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.7% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, veterinary technologists and technicians in Torrance, California can expect a median annual salary of $63,699, reflecting an approximate 27.43% increase compared to the national median of $49,986. Salaries in this field span a range from $45,249 at the lower end (P10) to $89,295 at the top (P90), highlighting significant earning potential in this metropolitan area. These figures, informed by estimates derived from BLS state-level data and regional price adjustments, position Torrance in a favorable light for veterinary professionals considering advanced credentials. Pursuing a Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) credential, especially in emergency and critical care (ECC) or anesthesia, can greatly enhance earning prospects in this robust job market, where highly-skilled professionals are often in demand.
About the Torrance Market
Salary estimated from California average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,249 | $21.75 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50,140 | $24.11 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $63,699 | $30.63 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $80,139 | $38.53 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $89,295 | $42.93 |
Median Salary Position
27.43% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Torrance
In Torrance, CA, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $44,046 (2026 est.). At $63,699, the local median is 27.43% above the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Torrance: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Torrance Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Torrance median: $63,699/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Torrance Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $62,634 | +1.70% more |
| National Average | $49,986 | +27.43% more |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Torrance, CA earn a median of $63,699 per year (2026 est.), which is 27.43% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 1.70% above the California state average of $62,634.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Torrance has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Torrance, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $63,699 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $56,321 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$45,010
2025 BLS Actual
$60,378
2026 Current Est.
$63,699
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Torrance (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45,010 | Actual |
| 2020 | $46,207 | Actual |
| 2021 | $46,959 | Actual |
| 2022 | $48,731 | Actual |
| 2023 | $55,739 | Actual |
| 2024 | $59,821 | Actual |
| 2025 | $60,378 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $63,699 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67,202 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Torrance metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $45,010 (2019) to $60,378 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $67,202 by 2027 — a total increase of $22,192 (49.30%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Torrance 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) | $45,249 – $50,140 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $50,140 – $63,699 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $63,699 – $80,139 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $80,139 – $89,295 |
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 Torrance
An impressive 26 veterinary technologists and technicians are currently employed in Torrance, CA, contributing to a competitive labor market. However, the cost of living index stands at 113.1, meaning that while salaries may be higher than the national average, the purchasing power for these positions must take local living costs into account. Among the various employers, specialty referral hospitals, such as those dealing with emergency care or oncology, typically offer the highest salaries, whereas general practice clinics and corporate chain hospitals tend to provide lower pay. Factors influencing the salary spread include the VTS specialty credential, variations in corporate pay scales, and the demand for lead roles or mentoring positions in a 24-hour ER environment. For those looking to maximize their veterinary technologist and technician pay in Torrance, pursuing specialty qualifications and seeking positions in specialty hospitals can significantly enhance earnings.
More salary data for Torrance, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do veterinary technologists and technicians make in Torrance, CA in 2026?
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Can veterinary technologists and technicians make $100K in Torrance?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted veterinary technologist and technician salary in Torrance?
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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 $60,378 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Torrance 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 Torrance 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