Veterinarian Salary in California
Veterinarians in California earn an average of $139,038 per year across 6 metro areas. This is +16.6% higher than the national average.
Average Salary
$139,038
per year
Hourly Rate
$66.84
per hour
vs National
+16.6%
$119,240 national
Salary Range
$90,518
to $201,401
Cost of Living Adjusted Salary
Nominal Salary
$139,038
Cost of Living Index
142
100 = national average
Adjusted Salary
$97,914
purchasing power equivalent
After adjusting for California's cost of living (above average), a Veterinarian's salary of $139,038 has the purchasing power of $97,914 in an average-cost area.
Veterinarian Salary by City in California
| City | Median Salary | Hourly Rate | Entry Level (P10) | Senior (P90) | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose, CA | $164,934 | $79.30/hr | $109,047 | $239,350 | 88 |
| San Francisco, CA | $162,203 | $77.98/hr | $105,987 | $235,611 | 119 |
| Los Angeles, CA | $130,863 | $62.91/hr | $82,307 | $187,514 | 112 |
| San Diego, CA | $128,324 | $61.69/hr | $81,788 | $183,969 | 74 |
| Sacramento, CA | $125,365 | $60.27/hr | $82,474 | $179,929 | 80 |
| Riverside, CA | $122,538 | $58.91/hr | $81,506 | $182,033 | 91 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS Survey, 2026. Sorted by median salary (highest first).
California vs National Average
Veterinarian Salary Comparison
Employment in California
There are approximately 564 Veterinarians employed across 6 metro areas in California.
Key Industries: Technology, Entertainment & Media, Agriculture
State Income Tax: 1% - 13.3%
Veterinarian Salary Range in California
Entry Level (10th Percentile)
$90,518
Starting salary for new Veterinarians
Median (50th Percentile)
$139,038
Mid-career Veterinarian salary
Senior (90th Percentile)
$201,401
Top earners in the field
Related Occupations in California
Veterinarian Salary in Neighboring States
Compare Veterinarian salaries in California with nearby states to find the best opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Veterinarian salary in California?
The average Veterinarian salary in California is $139,038 per year ($66.84/hour) based on 2026 data across 6 metro areas. This is 16.6% above the national average of $119,240.
What is the highest paying city for Veterinarians in California?
San Jose, CA is the highest paying city for Veterinarians in California, with a median salary of $164,934 per year. The lowest paying metro area is Riverside, CA at $122,538.
What is the salary range for Veterinarians in California?
Veterinarian salaries in California range from $90,518 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $201,401 (experienced, 90th percentile). The median salary is $139,038 per year.
About This Data
Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey. State-level averages are calculated from metro area data within California. Figures represent 2026 estimates and may not reflect all employers or self-employed workers. Cost of living adjustments use regional indices to provide purchasing power context.