Vet Tech salary

Livermore vs San Francisco: Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary (2026)

Compare veterinary technologist and technician salaries between Livermore, CA and San Francisco, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Livermore, CA
$61,708
$29.67/hr
San Francisco, CA
$75,000
$36.06/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricLivermore, CASan Francisco, CA
Median Salary$61,708$75,000
Hourly Rate$29.67$36.06
Entry Level (P10)$46,687$57,054
25th Percentile$50,538$64,038
75th Percentile$75,999$78,513
Top Earner (P90)$83,358$84,326
Total Employed211,220
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Livermore ($61,708) and San Francisco ($75,000) veterinary technologist and technician salaries.LivermoreSan FranciscoMedian Salary$61,708$75,000Entry Level (P10)$46,687$57,054Top Earner (P90)$83,358$84,326US Median $49,986

Verdict

San Francisco, CA offers better overall compensation for veterinary technologists and technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Livermore.

The salary gap between Livermore and San Francisco is $13,292 (21.54%). San Francisco's median is +50.04% compared to the US national median of $49,986.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Livermore spans $36,671,San Francisco spans $27,272. Livermore has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Livermore
P10 (Entry)$46,687
P25$50,538
Median$61,708
P75$75,999
P90 (Top)$83,358
San Francisco
P10 (Entry)$57,054
P25$64,038
Median$75,000
P75$78,513
P90 (Top)$84,326

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, San Francisco ($64,872 effective) pays 18.90% more than Livermore ($54,561 effective).

Livermore
Nominal: $61,708
CoL Index: 113.1
Adjusted: $54,561
San Francisco
Nominal: $75,000
CoL Index: 115.613
Adjusted: $64,872

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Livermore if…

  • You prefer the California area and lifestyle

Choose San Francisco if…

  • Higher median salary ($75,000/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($84,326)
  • Larger job market (1,220 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $64,872)
  • You prefer the California area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinary technologist and technician salaries in Livermore grew 0.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 55.0% growth in San Francisco over the same period.

Livermore, CA

+0.9%

$57,951 (2024) → $58,491 (2025)

San Francisco, CA

+55.0%

$45,870 (2019) → $71,090 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays veterinary technologist and technicians more: Livermore or San Francisco?

San Francisco has a higher median veterinary technologist and technician salary at $75,000/year, compared to Livermore at $61,708/year — a difference of $13,292 (21.54%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Livermore and San Francisco?

Livermore veterinary technologist and technicians earn $29.67/hr while San Francisco hygienists earn $36.06/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Livermore to San Francisco as a veterinary technologist and technician?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Livermore and San Francisco. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Livermore = $54,561, San Francisco = $64,872), job availability (21 vs 1,220 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level veterinary technologist and technicians earn in Livermore vs San Francisco?

Entry-level (10th percentile) veterinary technologist and technicians earn $46,687 in Livermore and $57,054 in San Francisco. The San Francisco area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

JL

Written by Jordan Lee, CVT

Career Analyst

Jordan has 10 years of experience in veterinary technology. They specialize in emergency care. Jordan has worked in both clinic and hospital settings.

Clinically reviewed by Sofia Patel, RVTData verified by Mark Chen, LVT

Methodology & Data Source

All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.50% 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 Jordan Lee, CVT, a licensed veterinary technologist and technician with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov