Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Berkeley, CA: $62,859 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Berkeley, CA earns a median $62,859/year (≈ $30.23/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Berkeley's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $55,578 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.4% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, veterinary technologists and technicians in Berkeley, CA are projected to earn a median annual salary of $62,859, surpassing the national median of $49,986 by approximately 25.75%. Salaries here range significantly, from $48,274 at the 10th percentile to $82,343 at the 90th percentile, reflecting the varied roles within the profession. These estimates are derived from 2025 BLS data combined with adjustments for regional cost levels. Given the corporate presence of hospitals like VCA and BluePearl, local compensation structures are influenced significantly by these corporate chains, often providing clearer salary scales compared to independent practices. As a result, those entering this field in Berkeley can anticipate a competitive market for skilled roles in veterinary care.
About the Berkeley Market
Salary estimated from California average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,274 | $23.21 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $52,221 | $25.11 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $62,859 | $30.23 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $75,652 | $36.38 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $82,343 | $39.58 |
Median Salary Position
25.75% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Berkeley
In Berkeley, CA, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $34,069 (2026 est.). At $62,859, the local median is 25.75% above the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Berkeley: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Berkeley Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Berkeley median: $62,859/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Berkeley Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $62,609 | +0.40% more |
| National Average | $49,986 | +25.75% more |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Berkeley, CA earn a median of $62,859 per year (2026 est.), which is 25.75% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 0.40% above the California state average of $62,609.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Berkeley has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Berkeley, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $62,859 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $55,578 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$44,416
2025 BLS Actual
$59,582
2026 Current Est.
$62,859
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Berkeley (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44,416 | Actual |
| 2020 | $45,598 | Actual |
| 2021 | $46,340 | Actual |
| 2022 | $48,088 | Actual |
| 2023 | $55,005 | Actual |
| 2024 | $59,032 | Actual |
| 2025 | $59,582 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $62,859 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $66,316 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Berkeley metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $44,416 (2019) to $59,582 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $66,316 by 2027 — a total increase of $21,900 (49.31%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Berkeley metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 5.50% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $48,274 – $52,221 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $52,221 – $62,859 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $62,859 – $75,652 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $75,652 – $82,343 |
Vet Tech salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual veterinary technologist and technician compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Job Market in Berkeley
The local job market for veterinary technologists and technicians in Berkeley remains relatively small, with only 23 professionals currently employed in this role. The cost of living index here is 113.1, indicating that while salaries are higher than the national average, the increased cost may impact take-home purchasing power. Corporate chains generally offer more lucrative positions compared to general practice clinics; specialty referral hospitals and positions requiring VTS credentials are known to command top-tier compensation, especially in areas like emergency care, anesthesia, and internal medicine. Factors contributing to the wide salary range include corporate pay scales, specialty training requirements, and differential compensation for lead roles or night shifts. For those looking to optimize earnings in Berkeley, pursuing advanced qualifications and seeking employment at specialty hospitals or corporate chains can significantly enhance earning potential in this expanding field.
More salary data for Berkeley, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can veterinary technologists and technicians make $100K in Berkeley?
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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.
Methodology & Data Source
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $59,582 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Berkeley metropolitan area. A 5.50% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Berkeley is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.50%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for veterinary technologist and technicians (SOC 29-2056).
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