Vet Tech salary

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

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

Madera, CA
$61,168
$29.40/hr
San Francisco, CA
$75,000
$36.06/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricMadera, CASan Francisco, CA
Median Salary$61,168$75,000
Hourly Rate$29.40$36.06
Entry Level (P10)$47,460$57,054
25th Percentile$50,794$64,038
75th Percentile$74,788$78,513
Top Earner (P90)$81,404$84,326
Total Employed81,220
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Madera ($61,168) and San Francisco ($75,000) veterinary technologist and technician salaries.MaderaSan FranciscoMedian Salary$61,168$75,000Entry Level (P10)$47,460$57,054Top Earner (P90)$81,404$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 Madera.

The salary gap between Madera and San Francisco is $13,832 (22.61%). 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 Madera spans $33,944,San Francisco spans $27,272. Madera has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Madera
P10 (Entry)$47,460
P25$50,794
Median$61,168
P75$74,788
P90 (Top)$81,404
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 19.95% more than Madera ($54,083 effective).

Madera
Nominal: $61,168
CoL Index: 113.1
Adjusted: $54,083
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 Madera 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 Madera grew 0.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 55.0% growth in San Francisco over the same period.

Madera, CA

+0.9%

$57,444 (2024) → $57,979 (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: Madera or San Francisco?

San Francisco has a higher median veterinary technologist and technician salary at $75,000/year, compared to Madera at $61,168/year — a difference of $13,832 (22.61%).

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

Madera veterinary technologist and technicians earn $29.40/hr while San Francisco hygienists earn $36.06/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Madera and San Francisco. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Madera = $54,083, San Francisco = $64,872), job availability (8 vs 1,220 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) veterinary technologist and technicians earn $47,460 in Madera 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