Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Visalia, CA: $49,954 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Visalia, CA earns a median $49,954/year (≈ $24.01/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Visalia's price level (0% above national, BEA RPP 99.8), that paycheck buys what $50,042 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 20.2% below the California state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, the veterinary technologist and technician salary in Visalia is projected to be $49,954 annually, which is slightly below the national median of $49,986. Salary ranges show considerable variation, from $43,434 at the lowest percentile to $63,015 for those at the top tenth of earners. This data, derived from 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) surveys, is part of a job market that favors those with advanced credentials, particularly in specialties like emergency and critical care (VTS-ECC) or anesthesia. This emerging specialty pathway can significantly elevate earning potential and enhance career prospects in Visalia, addressing industry demands and the current workforce shortage.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $43,434 | $20.89 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $48,541 | $23.34 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $49,954 | $24.01 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $58,700 | $28.22 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $63,015 | $30.30 |
Median Salary Position
0.06% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Visalia
In Visalia, CA, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $19,581 (2026 est.). At $49,954, the local median is 0.06% below the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Visalia: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Visalia Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Visalia median: $49,954/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Visalia Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $62,599 | -20.20% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | -0.06% less |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Visalia, CA earn a median of $49,954 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.06% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 20.20% below the California state average of $62,599.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Visalia has a cost of living 0.17% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Visalia, CA has a cost-of-living index of 99.825 (below the national average of 100). A veterinary technologist and technician earning $49,954 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $50,042 in an average-cost city — an effective 0.18% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$29,720
2025 BLS Actual
$47,350
2026 Current Est.
$49,954
2019–2027 Growth
+77.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Visalia (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29,720 | Actual |
| 2020 | $35,460 | Actual |
| 2021 | $36,360 | Actual |
| 2022 | $40,600 | Actual |
| 2023 | $47,160 | Actual |
| 2024 | $44,350 | Actual |
| 2025 | $47,350 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49,954 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52,702 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Visalia metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 59.3% from $29,720 (2019) to $47,350 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $52,702 by 2027 — a total increase of $22,982 (77.33%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Visalia 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) | $43,434 – $48,541 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $48,541 – $49,954 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $49,954 – $58,700 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $58,700 – $63,015 |
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 Visalia
As of now, there are 60 veterinary technologists and technicians employed in the Visalia area, indicating a growing local job market. With a cost-of-living index of 99.825, salaries in Visalia may not stretch as far as in higher-cost regions, but they remain competitive given local economic factors. Employers such as specialty referral hospitals, including those focusing on surgery and critical care, typically offer the highest pay compared to general practice clinics or corporate chains like VCA and BluePearl. The disparity in pay is influenced by specialized skills, which are critical for advanced positions, as well as corporate pay scales that can vary significantly. To maximize earning potential in this market, pursuing VTS certification is advisable, along with seeking employment in specialty clinics or positions that offer shift differentials or mentorship roles. Such strategies not only enhance income but also professional growth in Visalia, CA.
More salary data for Visalia, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do veterinary technologists and technicians make in Visalia, CA in 2026?
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Can veterinary technologists and technicians make $100K in Visalia?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted veterinary technologist and technician salary in Visalia?
How much does a veterinary technologist and technician make per hour in Visalia?
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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 $47,350 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Visalia 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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