📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release

Veterinary Technician Salary in California (2026)

California · 42.0% above national average · Very High Demand

Average
$58,831
per year
Median
$55,636
per year
Hourly
$28.28
per hour
🏛️ Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
📅 Dataset: OES May 2025
🔄 Published: May 2026
📍 Coverage: All 50 States + DC
📊
Salary Range & Percentiles
Pay distribution across experience levels
10th Percentile — Entry Level$42,228
25th Percentile — Junior$50,510
50th Percentile — Median$55,636
75th Percentile — Senior$69,143
90th Percentile — Top Earners$75,040
💡 Top-earning Veterinary Technicians in California make up to $75,040 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
$46.5k
2021
$48.8k
2022
$51.1k
2023
$53.6k
2024
$56.1k
2025
$58.8k
2026
📈 Veterinary Technician salaries in California have followed the national trend with 4.8% annual growth. The strong demand in California's job market supports continued salary increases.
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Veterinary Technician Salary by City in California
Geographic salary comparison
CityAvg Salaryvs NationalDemand
Los Angeles $91,188 +55.0% Very High
San Diego $87,070 +48.0% Very High
San Jose $101,189 +72.0% Very High
San Francisco $108,837 +85.0% Very High
Fresno $63,537 +8.0% Very High
Sacramento $71,774 +22.0% Very High
Long Beach $85,305 +45.0% Very High
Bakersfield $63,537 +8.0% Very High
Anaheim $83,540 +42.0% Very High
Santa Ana $82,363 +40.0% Very High
Riverside $75,304 +28.0% Very High
Stockton $69,421 +18.0% Very High
Irvine $91,188 +55.0% Very High
San Bernardino $69,421 +18.0% Very High
Modesto $65,891 +12.0% Very High
Fontana $71,774 +22.0% Very High
Moreno Valley $67,656 +15.0% Very High
Glendale $87,070 +48.0% Very High
Fremont $94,130 +60.0% Very High
🔍
Veterinary Technician Job Market in California
Key factors affecting compensation

California is home to a very strong job market for Veterinary Technicians. The state's key industries — Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $58,831 per year, California's Veterinary Technician 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 $42,228–$50,510, while experienced Veterinary Technicians can command $69,143–$75,040.

Looking ahead, the Veterinary Technician profession in California is projected to grow at 4.8% 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
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this salary
  • The average Veterinary Technician salary in California is $58,831 per year in 2026, which is 42.0% above the national average of $41,430.
  • San Francisco and San Jose typically pay Veterinary Technicians 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 Veterinary Technician employment.
  • At $58,831/year, California Veterinary Technician salaries are 42.0% higher than the national average of $41,430/year.