Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Upland, CA: $60,562 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Upland, CA earns a median $60,562/year (≈ $29.12/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Upland's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $53,547 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.3% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Upland, California, the 2026 median salary for veterinary technologists and technicians is projected at $60,562, reflecting a notable increase over years past and outpacing the national median of $49,986 by 21.16%. Local estimates suggest a salary range from $45,796 at the 10th percentile to an impressive $81,780 at the 90th percentile. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS data adjusted for regional cost variations, highlight a strong compensation framework for professionals in this field. For those pursuing specialized credentials such as the Veterinary Technician Specialist in Emergency and Critical Care (VTS-ECC) or anesthesia, the earning potential significantly rises, offering pathways to top-tier salaries in Upland’s competitive job market.
About the Upland Market
Salary estimated from California average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,796 | $22.02 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $49,582 | $23.83 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $60,562 | $29.12 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $74,571 | $35.85 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $81,780 | $39.32 |
Median Salary Position
21.16% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Upland
In Upland, CA, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $35,984 (2026 est.). At $60,562, the local median is 21.16% above the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Upland: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Upland Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Upland median: $60,562/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Upland Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $62,629 | -3.30% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | +21.16% more |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Upland, CA earn a median of $60,562 per year (2026 est.), which is 21.16% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 3.30% below the California state average of $62,629.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Upland has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Upland, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $60,562 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $53,547 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$42,793
2025 BLS Actual
$57,405
2026 Current Est.
$60,562
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Upland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42,793 | Actual |
| 2020 | $43,932 | Actual |
| 2021 | $44,647 | Actual |
| 2022 | $46,331 | Actual |
| 2023 | $52,995 | Actual |
| 2024 | $56,875 | Actual |
| 2025 | $57,405 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $60,562 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $63,893 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Upland metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $42,793 (2019) to $57,405 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $63,893 by 2027 — a total increase of $21,100 (49.31%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Upland 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) | $45,796 – $49,582 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $49,582 – $60,562 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $60,562 – $74,571 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $74,571 – $81,780 |
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 Upland
In looking at the broader job market, Upland currently employs 18 veterinary technologists and technicians, which underscores the local demand in this healthcare sector. With a cost-of-living index of 113.1, professionals might find their purchasing power somewhat diminished, but overall compensation remains attractive. Employers that typically offer higher pay include specialty referral hospitals and corporate chains like VCA and BluePearl, where the structure tends to provide better remuneration than general practice settings. Variations in salary are often driven by the level of specialization, with VTS credentials commanding higher wages, alongside factors such as corporate pay scales and shift differentials at emergency facilities. To maximize earning potential in Upland, aspiring technologists and technicians should consider pursuing advanced qualifications and seeking positions in high-demand specialties or affiliations with larger veterinary groups that can offer competitive pay structures.
More salary data for Upland, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can veterinary technologists and technicians make $100K in Upland?
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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 $57,405 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Upland 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 Upland 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