Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Tustin, CA: $62,561 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Tustin, CA earns a median $62,561/year (≈ $30.08/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Tustin's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $55,315 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.1% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Reaching the Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) credential, particularly in emergency and critical care (ECC) or anesthesia, significantly enhances earning potential in Tustin, CA. The projected median annual salary for veterinary technologists and technicians in the area is $62,561, which is notably higher than the national median of $49,986. In Tustin, salaries range from $45,531 at the lower 10th percentile to $82,258 at the 90th percentile, providing a robust earning opportunity for both entry-level and seasoned professionals. These figures reflect local estimates based on 2025 BLS data and regional cost adjustments. The competitive pay landscape is further influenced by the pressing workforce shortage in the veterinary field, ensuring that credentialed professionals have significant opportunities to excel in their careers.
About the Tustin Market
Salary estimated from California average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,531 | $21.89 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $49,885 | $23.98 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $62,561 | $30.08 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $75,698 | $36.40 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $82,258 | $39.55 |
Median Salary Position
25.16% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Tustin
In Tustin, CA, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $36,727 (2026 est.). At $62,561, the local median is 25.16% above the national median of $49,986.
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At 40 hours/week in Tustin: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Tustin Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Tustin median: $62,561/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Tustin Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $62,624 | -0.10% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | +25.16% more |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Tustin, CA earn a median of $62,561 per year (2026 est.), which is 25.16% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 0.10% below the California state average of $62,624.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Tustin has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Tustin, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $62,561 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $55,315 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$44,206
2025 BLS Actual
$59,300
2026 Current Est.
$62,561
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Tustin (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44,206 | Actual |
| 2020 | $45,382 | Actual |
| 2021 | $46,121 | Actual |
| 2022 | $47,861 | Actual |
| 2023 | $54,744 | Actual |
| 2024 | $58,753 | Actual |
| 2025 | $59,300 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $62,561 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $66,002 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Tustin metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $44,206 (2019) to $59,300 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $66,002 by 2027 — a total increase of $21,796 (49.31%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Tustin 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) | $45,531 – $49,885 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $49,885 – $62,561 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $62,561 – $75,698 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $75,698 – $82,258 |
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 Tustin
Employment prospects for veterinary technologists and technicians in Tustin are strong, with currently 18 professionals active in the region. However, the city's elevated cost-of-living index of 113.1 indicates that take-home earnings may need careful management to afford the higher expenses associated with the area. Among various employers, specialty referral hospitals, corporate chain hospitals like VCA and BluePearl, and university teaching hospitals tend to offer the most attractive compensation packages. The variance in pay largely depends on credentials and experience, particularly for those holding VTS designations. Taking on roles in emergency services or higher-level specialties can command premium pay rates. To maximize earning potential in Tustin, pursuing continued education and specialization, along with seeking positions in more lucrative settings, can significantly impact overall compensation.
More salary data for Tustin, 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 $59,300 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Tustin 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 Tustin 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