Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Citrus Heights, CA: $62,354 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Citrus Heights, CA earns a median $62,354/year (≈ $29.97/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Citrus Heights's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $55,132 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.4% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Citrus Heights, aspiring veterinary technologists and technicians can expect a median annual salary of $62,354, which is significantly higher than the national average of $49,986, representing a robust 24.74% premium. The local salary range spans from $45,300 at the entry level (P10) to $81,565 at the high end (P90), reflecting the impact of specialized skills, particularly in critical care and anesthesia. These figures are derived from 2025 BLS data, projected to 2026, and include adjustments for regional cost of living, making them pertinent for those considering a career in this sector. Given the growing need for trained professionals in veterinary medicine and the specialized credentials available through VTS pathways, Citrus Heights offers promising opportunities for career advancement and increased earnings.
About the Citrus Heights Market
Salary estimated from California average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,300 | $21.78 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $49,468 | $23.78 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $62,354 | $29.97 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $75,196 | $36.15 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $81,565 | $39.21 |
Median Salary Position
24.74% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Citrus Heights
In Citrus Heights, CA, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $36,265 (2026 est.). At $62,354, the local median is 24.74% above the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Citrus Heights: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Citrus Heights Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Citrus Heights median: $62,354/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Citrus Heights Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $62,604 | -0.40% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | +24.74% more |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Citrus Heights, CA earn a median of $62,354 per year (2026 est.), which is 24.74% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 0.40% below the California state average of $62,604.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Citrus Heights has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Citrus Heights, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $62,354 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $55,132 — a 11.58% reduction.
Compare Purchasing Power
Select a city to see how your salary compares after cost of living
Select a city above to compare purchasing power
2019 BLS Actual
$44,059
2025 BLS Actual
$59,103
2026 Current Est.
$62,354
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Citrus Heights (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44,059 | Actual |
| 2020 | $45,232 | Actual |
| 2021 | $45,968 | Actual |
| 2022 | $47,702 | Actual |
| 2023 | $54,562 | Actual |
| 2024 | $58,557 | Actual |
| 2025 | $59,103 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $62,354 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $65,783 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Citrus Heights metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $44,059 (2019) to $59,103 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $65,783 by 2027 — a total increase of $21,724 (49.31%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Citrus Heights 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) | $45,300 – $49,468 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $49,468 – $62,354 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $62,354 – $75,196 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $75,196 – $81,565 |
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 Citrus Heights
With just 19 veterinary technologists and technicians currently employed in Citrus Heights, the job market is relatively tight, which can be advantageous for workforce entrants. However, the local cost of living index stands at 113.1, indicating that while salaries are competitive, take-home purchasing power may be impacted. Larger corporate veterinary chains, like VCA and BluePearl, often provide the best pay structures, with specialty hospitals offering even higher compensation due to the demanding nature of the work. Factors contributing to the variance in local salaries include the types of employers, with those holding VTS credentials in emergency and critical care or anesthesia typically earning more. To maximize earning potential in the Citrus Heights market, pursuing specialized training and certifications, such as obtaining a VTS credential, alongside seeking employment in high-paying specialty environments can significantly enhance one’s pay trajectory.
More salary data for Citrus Heights, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do veterinary technologists and technicians make in Citrus Heights, CA in 2026?
Is Citrus Heights, CA a good place to work as a veterinary technologist and technician?
Can veterinary technologists and technicians make $100K in Citrus Heights?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted veterinary technologist and technician salary in Citrus Heights?
How much does a veterinary technologist and technician make per hour in Citrus Heights?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in California
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 $59,103 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Citrus Heights 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 Citrus Heights 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