Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Westminster, CA: $63,300 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Westminster, CA earns a median $63,300/year (≈ $30.44/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Westminster's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $55,968 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.1% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, veterinary technologists and technicians in Westminster, California, can anticipate a median annual salary of $63,300, significantly above the national median of $49,986 by 26.64%. The salary range extends from $47,276 at the 10th percentile to $84,738 at the 90th percentile, illustrating the variance based on experience and specialization. This local estimate draws on BLS state-level data adjusted for regional cost factors, reflecting Westminster's competitive job market, notably for those holding the VTS specialty credential. Technologists and technicians focusing on emergency and critical care (ECC) or anesthesia can expect pay that aligns with their advanced skills, highlighting the value of specialization within this profession.
About the Westminster Market
Salary estimated from California average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,276 | $22.72 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51,380 | $24.70 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $63,300 | $30.44 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $77,498 | $37.26 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $84,738 | $40.74 |
Median Salary Position
26.64% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Westminster
In Westminster, CA, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $37,462 (2026 est.). At $63,300, the local median is 26.64% above the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Westminster: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Westminster Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Westminster median: $63,300/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Westminster Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $62,611 | +1.10% more |
| National Average | $49,986 | +26.64% more |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Westminster, CA earn a median of $63,300 per year (2026 est.), which is 26.64% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 1.10% above the California state average of $62,611.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Westminster has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Westminster, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $63,300 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $55,968 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$44,728
2025 BLS Actual
$60,000
2026 Current Est.
$63,300
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Westminster (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44,728 | Actual |
| 2020 | $45,918 | Actual |
| 2021 | $46,665 | Actual |
| 2022 | $48,425 | Actual |
| 2023 | $55,390 | Actual |
| 2024 | $59,447 | Actual |
| 2025 | $60,000 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $63,300 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $66,782 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Westminster metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $44,728 (2019) to $60,000 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $66,782 by 2027 — a total increase of $22,054 (49.31%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Westminster 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) | $47,276 – $51,380 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $51,380 – $63,300 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $63,300 – $77,498 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $77,498 – $84,738 |
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 Westminster
In Westminster, the job market is vibrant, with 21 veterinary technologists and technicians currently employed in the area. The cost-of-living index, sitting at 113.1, indicates a higher cost environment that could affect take-home purchasing power despite higher salaries. Among local employers, specialty referral hospitals and corporate chain hospitals like VCA and BluePearl tend to offer more lucrative pay compared to general practice veterinary clinics. Factors driving disparities in pay include VTS specialties, where credentials can command significantly higher wages, and the differences in pay scales across corporate chains and specialty practices. For those looking to maximize their earnings in Westminster, pursuing VTS credentials and seeking positions in high-demand areas such as ECC or specialty services can be effective strategies for boosting one’s salary potential.
More salary data for Westminster, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do veterinary technologists and technicians make in Westminster, CA in 2026?
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Can veterinary technologists and technicians make $100K in Westminster?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted veterinary technologist and technician salary in Westminster?
How much does a veterinary technologist and technician make per hour in Westminster?
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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 $60,000 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Westminster 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 Westminster 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