Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Lodi, CA: $58,275 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Lodi, CA earns a median $58,275/year (≈ $28.02/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Lodi's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $51,525 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.9% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Lodi, California, the projected median annual salary for veterinary technologists and technicians in 2026 reaches $58,275, which represents a significant 16.58% increase over the national median of $49,986 for the same year. Salaries within the local market exhibit a broad range, starting at approximately $45,119 at the lower end, and reaching up to $77,471 for those at the high end of the pay scale. These figures are reflective of region-specific estimates derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for local cost factors. As larger corporate chains like VCA and BluePearl continue to anchor the veterinary market, Lodi's specific salary offerings reveal both a competitive landscape and a growing demand for qualified personnel in the wake of an acute workforce shortage.
About the Lodi Market
Salary estimated from California average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,119 | $21.69 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $48,363 | $23.25 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $58,275 | $28.02 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $71,156 | $34.21 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $77,471 | $37.24 |
Median Salary Position
16.58% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lodi
In Lodi, CA, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $32,352 (2026 est.). At $58,275, the local median is 16.58% above the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Lodi: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Lodi Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Lodi median: $58,275/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Lodi Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $62,594 | -6.90% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | +16.58% more |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Lodi, CA earn a median of $58,275 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.58% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 6.90% below the California state average of $62,594.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Lodi has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Lodi, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $58,275 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $51,525 — 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
$41,177
2025 BLS Actual
$55,237
2026 Current Est.
$58,275
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Lodi (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $41,177 | Actual |
| 2020 | $42,273 | Actual |
| 2021 | $42,961 | Actual |
| 2022 | $44,581 | Actual |
| 2023 | $50,993 | Actual |
| 2024 | $57,420 | Actual |
| 2025 | $55,237 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $58,275 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $61,480 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Lodi metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $41,177 (2019) to $55,237 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $61,480 by 2027 — a total increase of $20,303 (49.31%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lodi 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) | $45,119 – $48,363 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $48,363 – $58,275 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $58,275 – $71,156 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $71,156 – $77,471 |
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 Lodi
With only 14 veterinary technologists and technicians currently employed in the Lodi market, job opportunities remain limited yet promising for those in the field. The cost-of-living index in Lodi sits at 113.1, indicating that while salaries are favorable compared to national averages, the local expenses could impact take-home earnings. Corporate chain hospitals tend to offer some of the higher wages, but professionals with VTS specialty credentials such as anesthesia or emergency and critical care command premium rates. Additionally, pay disparities are influenced by factors like experience, the type of practice (general vs. specialty), and associated certifications. For rising veterinary technologists and technicians in Lodi CA, pursuing advanced credentials and engaging with corporate practices could provide beneficial pathways to maximizing earning potential in a competitive market.
More salary data for Lodi, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do veterinary technologists and technicians make in Lodi, CA in 2026?
Is Lodi, CA a good place to work as a veterinary technologist and technician?
Can veterinary technologists and technicians make $100K in Lodi?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted veterinary technologist and technician salary in Lodi?
How much does a veterinary technologist and technician make per hour in Lodi?
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 $55,237 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Lodi 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 Lodi 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