Vet Tech salary

Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Gilroy, CA: $62,651 (2026)

Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Gilroy, CA earns a median $62,651/year (≈ $30.12/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Gilroy's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $55,394 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.0% above the California state average.

$62,651
Median Annual Salary
$30.12/hr
Median Hourly Rate
$45,997
Entry Level (P10)
$86,536
Top Earners (P90)

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Gilroy, CA — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Gilroy, CA veterinary technologist and technician salary overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

In 2026, veterinary technologists and technicians in Gilroy, California, can expect a median annual salary of $62,651, reflecting a notable 25.34% increase compared to the national average of $49,986 for this profession. The full salary range in Gilroy stretches from $45,997 at the lower end (10th percentile) to an upper ceiling of $86,536 (90th percentile), indicating a diverse pay scale within the job market. These figures are based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026 and adjusted for regional price differences, highlighting the competitive nature of compensation in this area. Gilroy’s job market for veterinary technologists and technicians is fortified by opportunities to specialize in areas like emergency and critical care (VTS-ECC) or anesthesia, which can significantly enhance earning potential.

About the Gilroy Market

Salary estimated from California average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.

Salary Breakdown

PercentileAnnualHourly
Entry Level (P10)$45,997$22.11
Lower Range (P25)$50,065$24.06
Median (P50)(typical)$62,651$30.12
Upper Range (P75)$74,544$35.84
Top Earners (P90)$86,536$41.61

Median Salary Position

$45,997$86,536
City Median: $62,651
National: $49,986
P10–P90 Range

25.34% above the national average

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Gilroy

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for veterinary technologist and technicians in Gilroy. The median salary is $62,651, compared to the national median of $49,986.$41.4K$53.8K$66.1K$78.5K$90.9K$46.0K10th Pctl$50.1K25th Pctl$62.7KMedian$74.5K75th Pctl$86.5K90th PctlUS Median$50.0K

In Gilroy, CA, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $40,539 (2026 est.). At $62,651, the local median is 25.34% above the national median of $49,986.

Source: BLS OEWS projected to 2026. Percentiles reflect the distribution of veterinary technologist and technician pay in the Gilroy metro area.

Salary Calculator

8 hrs (1 day)24 hrs (3 days)40 hrs (full-time)
$1,205
per week
$5,221
per month
$62,650
per year

At 40 hours/week in Gilroy: You'd be in the lower-middle range

How Gilroy Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares

Gilroy median: $62,651/year (2026)

Compared ToMedian SalaryGilroy Pays
National Average$49,986+25.34% more
Horizontal bar chart comparing veterinary technologist and technician median salary in Gilroy ($62,651) and the US national median ($49,986).Gilroy$62,651US National$49,986+25.34%

Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Gilroy, CA earn a median of $62,651 per year (2026 est.), which is 25.34% higher than the national median of $49,986.

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary

$62,651
Nominal Salary
113.1
CoL Index
$55,394
Adjusted Salary

Gilroy has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.

Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.

The nominal salary is $62,651. After adjusting for a cost-of-living index of 113.1, the purchasing-power equivalent is $55,394, a loss of $7,257.$42.5K$49.9K$57.3K$64.7K$72.0K$62,651NominalSalary$55,394CoL Adjusted(CoL: 113.1) -11.58%US Median $50.0K

Gilroy, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $62,651 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $55,394 — a 11.58% reduction.

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2019 BLS Actual

$44,269

2025 BLS Actual

$59,385

2026 Current Est.

$62,651

2019–2027 Growth

+49.3%

Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Gilroy (20192027)

2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Salary trajectory chart for veterinary technologists and technicians in Gilroy. Baseline $44,269 in 2025, projected to $66,097 by 2027.$39.9K$47.5K$55.2K$62.8K$70.5K2019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$44.3K$45.4K$46.2K$47.9K$54.8K$58.8K$59.4K$62.7K$66.1K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2019$44,269Actual
2020$45,447Actual
2021$46,187Actual
2022$47,929Actual
2023$54,823Actual
2024$58,836Actual
2025$59,385Actual
2026(current)$62,651Estimated
2027$66,097Projected

Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Gilroy metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $44,269 (2019) to $59,385 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $66,097 by 2027 — a total increase of $21,828 (49.31%) from 2019.

Note: Historical values (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Gilroy metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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

ExperienceEstimated Salary Range
0-2 years (New Graduate)$45,997$50,065
3-5 years (Mid Career)$50,065$62,651
5+ years (Experienced)$62,651$74,544
10+ years (Top Earner)$74,544$86,536

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 Gilroy

The local employment scene features a modest count of ten veterinary technologists and technicians, underscoring a tight labor market that can influence wage levels. With a cost-of-living index of 113.1, earning potential must be viewed alongside local expenses. Employers range widely, with specialties like surgery and emergency care at top-paying facilities, including corporate chains like VCA and BluePearl, which may offer differentials for specialized roles. The disparity in pay reflects factors such as the level of specialization, responsibilities held, and whether one works in a general practice versus a specialized hospital setting. Medical facilities that operate around the clock tend to offer additional incentives, including shift differentials. For those navigating their careers in Gilroy, targeting specialized credentials and exploring positions in higher-paying sectors can be strategic moves to enhance their overall compensation in this competitive city.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do veterinary technologists and technicians make in Gilroy, CA in 2026?

The estimated 2026 median veterinary technologist and technician salary in Gilroy is $62,651/year ($30.12/hour), based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 5.50% annual growth). Salaries range from $45,997 at entry level (10th percentile) to $86,536 for experienced top earners (90th percentile). This puts Gilroy at 25.3% above the national median. Full-time veterinary technologists and technicians typically work 2,080 hours per year, though many positions offer part-time schedules with flexible hours across multiple practices.

Is Gilroy, CA a good place to work as a veterinary technologist and technician?

Gilroy veterinary technologist and technician salaries are 25.3% above the national average and 0.0% above the California state average. The metro area employs approximately 10 veterinary technologists and technicians. With a cost-of-living index of 113.1, you should factor in higher living costs when evaluating compensation. Job availability depends on population density, the number of practices, and retirement turnover in the area.

Can veterinary technologists and technicians make $100K in Gilroy?

The median veterinary technologist and technician salary in Gilroy is $62,651, and the 90th percentile earns $86,536. Reaching $100K in this market typically requires a combination of advanced certifications, working at multiple practices, or transitioning into education or consulting roles.

What is the cost-of-living adjusted veterinary technologist and technician salary in Gilroy?

After adjusting for Gilroy's cost-of-living index of 113.1 (where 100 equals the national average), the $62,651 nominal salary has purchasing power equivalent to $55,394 in an average-cost city. This means living costs in Gilroy reduce the effective value of your salary by 11.6% compared to the national average — consider negotiating higher base pay or exploring nearby lower-cost metros.

How much does a veterinary technologist and technician make per hour in Gilroy?

Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Gilroy earn a median hourly rate of $30.12, which translates to approximately $62,651/year for full-time work (40 hours/week, 2,080 hours/year). Hourly rates range from $22.11 for entry-level positions to $41.61 for the most experienced practitioners. Part-time and per diem veterinary technologists and technicians sometimes command premium hourly rates because practices need flexible scheduling coverage.

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JL

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.

Clinically reviewed by Sofia Patel, RVTData verified by Mark Chen, LVT

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 $59,385 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Gilroy 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 Gilroy is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).

View estimation methodology

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

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