Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Davis, CA: $60,608 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Davis, CA earns a median $60,608/year (≈ $29.14/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Davis's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $53,588 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.2% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, veterinary technologists and technicians in Davis, California, are expected to earn a median annual salary of $60,608, which represents a substantial 21.25% increase compared to the national median of $49,986. Salaries in this field will range from $46,087 at the lower end (P10) to $79,524 for those at the top of the scale (P90). These figures reflect local estimates based on 2025 BLS Occupational Employment Statistics data and adjust for regional cost considerations. The data indicates a shift in compensation, highlighting the pay differences between specialty hospitals and general practices within Davis's job market, where higher salaries often align with greater responsibility and expertise.
About the Davis Market
Salary estimated from California average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,087 | $22.15 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $49,672 | $23.89 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $60,608 | $29.14 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $74,702 | $35.91 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $79,524 | $38.23 |
Median Salary Position
21.25% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Davis
In Davis, CA, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $33,437 (2026 est.). At $60,608, the local median is 21.25% above the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Davis: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Davis Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Davis median: $60,608/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Davis Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $62,611 | -3.20% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | +21.25% more |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Davis, CA earn a median of $60,608 per year (2026 est.), which is 21.25% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 3.20% below the California state average of $62,611.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Davis has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Davis, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $60,608 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $53,588 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$42,825
2025 BLS Actual
$57,448
2026 Current Est.
$60,608
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Davis (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42,825 | Actual |
| 2020 | $43,965 | Actual |
| 2021 | $44,680 | Actual |
| 2022 | $46,366 | Actual |
| 2023 | $53,035 | Actual |
| 2024 | $56,917 | Actual |
| 2025 | $57,448 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $60,608 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $63,941 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Davis metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $42,825 (2019) to $57,448 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $63,941 by 2027 — a total increase of $21,116 (49.31%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Davis 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) | $46,087 – $49,672 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $49,672 – $60,608 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $60,608 – $74,702 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $74,702 – $79,524 |
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 Davis
Analyzing the current employment landscape reveals that there are only 14 veterinary technologists and technicians in the area, indicating a strong demand for skilled professionals. Notably, the cost of living index for Davis is 113.1, which translates to higher living expenses that affect take-home pay more significantly than in other regions. In terms of compensation, specialty referral hospitals, such as those focused on emergency and critical care or oncology, tend to offer the highest pay. Factors contributing to the disparity in salaries include specialty credentials like the Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS), which can unlock salaries surpassing $30 per hour, and corporate structure pay scales of larger veterinary chains versus independent clinics. For aspiring professionals in Davis, pursuing advanced certifications and seeking employment with specialty hospitals or corporate chains can be effective strategies to maximize income potential amid rising demand for qualified veterinary care.
More salary data for Davis, 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 $57,448 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Davis 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 Davis 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