Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Elk Grove, CA: $63,577 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Elk Grove, CA earns a median $63,577/year (≈ $30.56/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Elk Grove's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $56,213 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.5% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Elk Grove, California, the projected median annual salary for veterinary technologists and technicians is set at $63,577 for 2026, significantly higher than the national median of $49,986; this reflects a local emphasis on specialized veterinary care. The salary range spans from $45,163 at the 10th percentile to an impressive $84,591 at the 90th percentile, indicating a competitive market that rewards both experience and specialization. These estimates are derived from state-level data and adjusted for regional cost of living, making Elk Grove an attractive option for veterinary professionals. The job market here includes various employers, and those working in specialty hospitals or corporate chains may find higher pay compared to their counterparts in general practices.
About the Elk Grove Market
Salary estimated from California average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,163 | $21.71 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $49,899 | $23.99 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $63,577 | $30.56 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $77,441 | $37.23 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $84,591 | $40.67 |
Median Salary Position
27.19% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Elk Grove
In Elk Grove, CA, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $39,428 (2026 est.). At $63,577, the local median is 27.19% above the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Elk Grove: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Elk Grove Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Elk Grove median: $63,577/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Elk Grove Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $62,638 | +1.50% more |
| National Average | $49,986 | +27.19% more |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Elk Grove, CA earn a median of $63,577 per year (2026 est.), which is 27.19% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 1.50% above the California state average of $62,638.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Elk Grove has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Elk Grove, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $63,577 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $56,213 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$44,924
2025 BLS Actual
$60,263
2026 Current Est.
$63,577
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Elk Grove (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44,924 | Actual |
| 2020 | $46,119 | Actual |
| 2021 | $46,870 | Actual |
| 2022 | $48,638 | Actual |
| 2023 | $55,633 | Actual |
| 2024 | $59,707 | Actual |
| 2025 | $60,263 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $63,577 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67,074 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Elk Grove metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $44,924 (2019) to $60,263 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $67,074 by 2027 — a total increase of $22,150 (49.31%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Elk Grove 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) | $45,163 – $49,899 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $49,899 – $63,577 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $63,577 – $77,441 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $77,441 – $84,591 |
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 Elk Grove
Currently, Elk Grove employs around 25 veterinary technologists and technicians, which signifies a concentrated labor market that can both boost competitiveness and provide job security. The cost of living index in this area stands at 113.1, higher than the national average, thus affecting take-home pay and purchasing power for professionals in the field. Among local employers, specialty referral hospitals and corporate chains like VCA and BluePearl often offer the most attractive compensation packages, primarily driven by the demand for specialized skills, such as emergency care and internal medicine. The disparity between lower and higher wages hinges on factors such as VTS specialty credentials, corporate pay scales, leadership positions, and shift differentials. To maximize earning potential, aspiring veterinary technologists and technicians in Elk Grove should focus on obtaining relevant certifications, applying to high-paying employers, and considering roles in specialty settings.
More salary data for Elk Grove, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do veterinary technologists and technicians make in Elk Grove, CA in 2026?
Is Elk Grove, CA a good place to work as a veterinary technologist and technician?
Can veterinary technologists and technicians make $100K in Elk Grove?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted veterinary technologist and technician salary in Elk Grove?
How much does a veterinary technologist and technician make per hour in Elk Grove?
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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 $60,263 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Elk Grove 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 Elk Grove 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