Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Chico, CA: $62,561 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Chico, CA earns a median $62,561/year (≈ $30.08/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Chico's price level (1% above national, BEA RPP 101.2), that paycheck buys what $61,821 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.1% below the California state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, veterinary technologists and technicians in Chico, California, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $62,561, which is notably above the national median of $49,986. This translates to a salary range from $50,914 at the 10th percentile to $75,992 at the 90th percentile, reflecting the varied earning potential within this field based on experience, specialization, and setting. The official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data underscores the potential pay gradient that exists between general practice facilities and specialty hospitals, with the latter typically offering higher compensation due to the advanced skills and responsibilities required. This disparity can provide meaningful opportunities for those looking to maximize their earnings in Chico's job market, where the demand for skilled veterinary technicians remains robust.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $50,914 | $24.48 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $56,221 | $27.03 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $62,561 | $30.08 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $62,625 | $30.11 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $75,992 | $36.53 |
Median Salary Position
25.16% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Chico
In Chico, CA, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $25,078 (2026 est.). At $62,561, the local median is 25.16% above the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Chico: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Chico Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Chico median: $62,561/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Chico Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $62,624 | -0.10% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | +25.16% more |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Chico, CA earn a median of $62,561 per year (2026 est.), which is 25.16% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 0.10% below the California state average of $62,624.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Chico has a cost of living 1.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Chico, CA has a cost-of-living index of 101.197 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $62,561 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $61,821 — a 1.18% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$35,540
2025 BLS Actual
$59,300
2026 Current Est.
$62,561
2019–2027 Growth
+85.7%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Chico (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $35,540 | Actual |
| 2020 | $40,030 | Actual |
| 2021 | $43,390 | Actual |
| 2022 | $47,350 | Actual |
| 2023 | $56,370 | Actual |
| 2024 | $57,600 | Actual |
| 2025 | $59,300 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $62,561 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $66,002 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Chico metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 66.9% from $35,540 (2019) to $59,300 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $66,002 by 2027 — a total increase of $30,462 (85.71%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Chico 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) | $50,914 – $56,221 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $56,221 – $62,561 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $62,561 – $62,625 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $62,625 – $75,992 |
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 Chico
Employment opportunities in Chico, with about 70 veterinary technologists and technicians currently working in the area, reflect a stable local market, especially in light of the industry's ongoing workforce shortage. The cost of living index stands at 101.197, indicating that living expenses are slightly above the national average, which can impact how far salaries stretch in daily life. Specialty veterinary hospitals, corporate chains like VCA and BluePearl, and university teaching hospitals often provide the most competitive pay and benefits. Variations in salary often arise from factors such as specialty certifications, such as VTS credentials in emergency and critical care that command premium wages, and pay scales that differ among corporate entities. For those in Chico looking to enhance their pay, pursuing additional certifications, gaining experience in specialty settings, and being proactive in seeking leadership roles can prove beneficial strategies for advancing their veterinary technologist and technician pay.
More salary data for Chico, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 $59,300 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Chico 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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