Los Angeles vs Tustin: Veterinarian Salary (2026)
Compare veterinarian salaries between Los Angeles, CA and Tustin, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Los Angeles, CA | Tustin, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $168,980▲ | $168,462 |
| Hourly Rate | $81.24▲ | $81.00 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $71,158 | $97,708▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $128,350▲ | $127,358 |
| 75th Percentile | $223,882▲ | $213,963 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $299,843▲ | $261,116 |
| Total Employed | 2,740▲ | 18 |
Verdict
Los Angeles, CA offers better overall compensation for veterinarians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Tustin.
The salary gap between Los Angeles and Tustin is $518 (0.31%). Los Angeles's median is +23.04% compared to the US national median of $137,334.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Los Angeles spans $228,685,Tustin spans $163,408. Los Angeles has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Tustin ($148,950 effective) pays 0.10% more than Los Angeles ($148,795 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Los Angeles if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($168,980/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($299,843)
- ✓Larger job market (2,740 employed)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Tustin if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $148,950)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinarian salaries in Los Angeles grew 54.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -9.5% growth in Tustin over the same period.
Los Angeles, CA
$103,870 (2019) → $160,080 (2025)
Tustin, CA
$176,258 (2024) → $159,589 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Los Angeles, CA
Tustin, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays veterinarians more: Los Angeles or Tustin?
What is the hourly rate difference between Los Angeles and Tustin?
Should I relocate from Los Angeles to Tustin as a veterinarian?
What do entry-level veterinarians earn in Los Angeles vs Tustin?
Related Comparisons
Written by Dr. Alice Nguyen, DVM
Career Analyst
Dr. Alice Nguyen has 10 years of experience in veterinary medicine. She specializes in small animal surgery. She currently works at a suburban veterinary clinic.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.56% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Dr. Alice Nguyen, DVM, a licensed veterinarian with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov