📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release

Veterinarians Salary in California (2026)

California · 42.0% above national average · Medium Demand

Average
$202,606
per year
Median
$184,742
per year
Hourly
$97.41
per hour
📅 Dataset: OES May 2025
🔄 Published: May 2026
📍 Coverage: All 50 States + DC
📊
Salary Range & Percentiles
Pay distribution across experience levels
10th Percentile — Entry Level$115,032
25th Percentile — Junior$155,298
50th Percentile — Median$184,742
75th Percentile — Senior$245,896
90th Percentile — Top Earners$281,790
💡 Top-earning Veterinarianss in California make up to $281,790 per year. The job market in California is rated very strong, with key industries including Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture.
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Salary Growth Trend (2021–2026)
Six-year compensation trajectory
$164.9k
2021
$171.9k
2022
$179.1k
2023
$186.6k
2024
$194.4k
2025
$202.6k
2026
📈 Veterinarians salaries in California have followed the national trend with 4.2% annual growth. The strong presence in California's job market supports continued salary increases.
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Veterinarians Salary by City in California
Geographic salary comparison
CityAvg Salaryvs NationalDemand
Los Angeles $314,039 +55.0% Medium
San Diego $299,857 +48.0% Medium
San Jose $348,482 +72.0% Medium
San Francisco $374,821 +85.0% Medium
Fresno $218,814 +8.0% Medium
Sacramento $247,179 +22.0% Medium
Long Beach $293,779 +45.0% Medium
Bakersfield $218,814 +8.0% Medium
Anaheim $287,701 +42.0% Medium
Santa Ana $283,648 +40.0% Medium
Riverside $259,336 +28.0% Medium
Stockton $239,075 +18.0% Medium
Irvine $314,039 +55.0% Medium
San Bernardino $239,075 +18.0% Medium
Modesto $226,919 +12.0% Medium
Fontana $247,179 +22.0% Medium
Moreno Valley $232,997 +15.0% Medium
Glendale $299,857 +48.0% Medium
Fremont $324,170 +60.0% Medium
🔍
Veterinarians Job Market in California
Key factors affecting compensation

California is home to a very strong job market for Veterinarianss. The state's key industries — Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $202,606 per year, California's Veterinarians salaries are 42.0% higher than the national average.

The cost of living in California (index: 1.42) justifies the higher pay scale. Entry-level professionals in California can expect to earn $115,032–$155,298, while experienced Veterinarianss can command $245,896–$281,790.

Looking ahead, the Veterinarians profession in California is projected to grow at 4.2% annually. Major employers are actively hiring, and the state's investment in Technology continues to drive new opportunities for qualified candidates.

🏛️ U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OES) · May 2025
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Compare with Similar Jobs
Related career salary benchmarks
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this salary
  • The average Veterinarians salary in California is $202,606 per year in 2026, which is 42.0% above the national average of $142,680.
  • San Francisco and San Jose typically pay Veterinarianss the highest wages in California due to higher costs of living and competitive job markets.
  • California has a very strong job market with major industries in Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture. This makes it one of the better states for Veterinarians employment.
  • At $202,606/year, California Veterinarians salaries are 42.0% higher than the national average of $142,680/year.