Veterinary Technician Salary in California
Veterinary Technicians in California earn an average of $50,724 per year across 6 metro areas. This is +16.0% higher than the national average.
Average Salary
$50,724
per year
Hourly Rate
$24.39
per hour
vs National
+16.0%
$43,740 national
Salary Range
$33,339
to $72,932
Cost of Living Adjusted Salary
Nominal Salary
$50,724
Cost of Living Index
142
100 = national average
Adjusted Salary
$35,721
purchasing power equivalent
After adjusting for California's cost of living (above average), a Veterinary Technician's salary of $50,724 has the purchasing power of $35,721 in an average-cost area.
Veterinary Technician Salary by City in California
| City | Median Salary | Hourly Rate | Entry Level (P10) | Senior (P90) | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $59,973 | $28.83/hr | $39,803 | $86,646 | 167 |
| San Jose, CA | $59,196 | $28.46/hr | $39,982 | $83,034 | 113 |
| Los Angeles, CA | $48,534 | $23.33/hr | $30,932 | $69,952 | 155 |
| San Diego, CA | $47,468 | $22.82/hr | $31,665 | $66,418 | 101 |
| Sacramento, CA | $45,698 | $21.97/hr | $29,920 | $66,701 | 116 |
| Riverside, CA | $43,473 | $20.90/hr | $27,729 | $64,838 | 113 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS Survey, 2026. Sorted by median salary (highest first).
California vs National Average
Veterinary Technician Salary Comparison
Employment in California
There are approximately 765 Veterinary Technicians employed across 6 metro areas in California.
Key Industries: Technology, Entertainment & Media, Agriculture
State Income Tax: 1% - 13.3%
Veterinary Technician Salary Range in California
Entry Level (10th Percentile)
$33,339
Starting salary for new Veterinary Technicians
Median (50th Percentile)
$50,724
Mid-career Veterinary Technician salary
Senior (90th Percentile)
$72,932
Top earners in the field
Related Occupations in California
Nurse Practitioner
$147,716
avg in CA
+$96,992 vs Veterinary Technician
Registered Nurse
$109,589
avg in CA
+$58,865 vs Veterinary Technician
Dental Hygienist
$105,568
avg in CA
+$54,844 vs Veterinary Technician
Licensed Practical Nurse
$70,621
avg in CA
+$19,897 vs Veterinary Technician
Nursing Assistant
$44,150
avg in CA
-$6,574 vs Veterinary Technician
Veterinary Technician Salary in Neighboring States
Compare Veterinary Technician salaries in California with nearby states to find the best opportunities.
More Veterinary Technician Data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Veterinary Technician salary in California?
The average Veterinary Technician salary in California is $50,724 per year ($24.39/hour) based on 2026 data across 6 metro areas. This is 16.0% above the national average of $43,740.
What is the highest paying city for Veterinary Technicians in California?
San Francisco, CA is the highest paying city for Veterinary Technicians in California, with a median salary of $59,973 per year. The lowest paying metro area is Riverside, CA at $43,473.
What is the salary range for Veterinary Technicians in California?
Veterinary Technician salaries in California range from $33,339 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $72,932 (experienced, 90th percentile). The median salary is $50,724 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.