Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Livermore, CA: $61,708 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Livermore, CA earns a median $61,708/year (≈ $29.67/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Livermore's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $54,561 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.5% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, reaching a Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) credential in emergency and critical care (ECC) or anesthesia can significantly enhance earning potential for veterinary technologists and technicians working in Livermore, CA. With a median annual salary projected at $61,708, professionals in this field can expect salaries that range from $46,687 at the 10th percentile to $83,358 at the 90th percentile. These figures are derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost of living. As VTS specialists are increasingly valued in a market where veterinary technician workforce shortages are prominent, those who pursue additional certifications can command higher compensation in this competitive environment.
About the Livermore Market
Salary estimated from California average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,687 | $22.45 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50,538 | $24.30 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $61,708 | $29.67 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $75,999 | $36.53 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $83,358 | $40.08 |
Median Salary Position
23.45% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Livermore
In Livermore, CA, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $36,671 (2026 est.). At $61,708, the local median is 23.45% above the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Livermore: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Livermore Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Livermore median: $61,708/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Livermore Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $62,648 | -1.50% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | +23.45% more |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Livermore, CA earn a median of $61,708 per year (2026 est.), which is 23.45% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 1.50% below the California state average of $62,648.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Livermore has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Livermore, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $61,708 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $54,561 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$43,603
2025 BLS Actual
$58,491
2026 Current Est.
$61,708
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Livermore (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $43,603 | Actual |
| 2020 | $44,763 | Actual |
| 2021 | $45,492 | Actual |
| 2022 | $47,208 | Actual |
| 2023 | $53,997 | Actual |
| 2024 | $57,951 | Actual |
| 2025 | $58,491 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61,708 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $65,102 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Livermore metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $43,603 (2019) to $58,491 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $65,102 by 2027 — a total increase of $21,499 (49.31%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Livermore 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) | $46,687 – $50,538 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $50,538 – $61,708 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $61,708 – $75,999 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $75,999 – $83,358 |
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 Livermore
Currently, approximately 21 veterinary technologists and technicians are employed in Livermore, which creates a concentrated job market with opportunities for experienced candidates. The cost of living index in the area is 113.1, indicating that while earnings are above the national average, the purchasing power may be influenced by higher local expenses. Generally, corporate chain hospitals like VCA and BluePearl tend to offer competitive pay scales, while specialty referral hospitals and teaching hospitals often provide higher salaries for those with specialized credentials. This dynamic results in a pay spread where professionals with VTS certifications can earn significantly more than those in general practice settings. For those seeking to maximize their pay, obtaining VTS credentials, pursuing roles in specialty hospitals, and accumulating experience in high-demand areas such as emergency and critical care can be effective strategies in Livermore's evolving job landscape.
More salary data for Livermore, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do veterinary technologists and technicians make in Livermore, CA in 2026?
Is Livermore, CA a good place to work as a veterinary technologist and technician?
Can veterinary technologists and technicians make $100K in Livermore?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted veterinary technologist and technician salary in Livermore?
How much does a veterinary technologist and technician make per hour in Livermore?
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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 $58,491 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Livermore 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 Livermore 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