Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Modesto, CA: $62,625 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Modesto, CA earns a median $62,625/year (≈ $30.11/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Modesto's price level (4% above national, BEA RPP 104.1), that paycheck buys what $60,154 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.0% above the California state average.
Official BLS data · View source
As of 2026, veterinary technologists and technicians in Modesto, California can expect a median annual salary of $62,625, which surpasses the national median of $49,986 by 25.29%. The salary range in this market varies quite significantly, with entry-level positions starting around $49,406, while those with more experience or specialization, particularly in emergency and critical care (VTS-ECC) or anesthesia, can earn up to $78,081. These figures are based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026. For aspiring veterinary professionals, obtaining a Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) credential can be a gateway to higher pay and increased job options in a competitive industry that's facing a workforce shortage.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $49,406 | $23.75 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51,642 | $24.82 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $62,625 | $30.11 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $64,946 | $31.23 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $78,081 | $37.54 |
Median Salary Position
25.29% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Modesto
In Modesto, CA, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $28,675 (2026 est.). At $62,625, the local median is 25.29% above the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Modesto: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Modesto Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Modesto median: $62,625/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Modesto Pays |
|---|---|---|
| National Average | $49,986 | +25.29% more |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Modesto, CA earn a median of $62,625 per year (2026 est.), which is 25.29% higher than the national median of $49,986.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Modesto has a cost of living 4.11% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Modesto, CA has a cost-of-living index of 104.108 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $62,625 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $60,154 — a 3.95% 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
$38,030
2025 BLS Actual
$59,360
2026 Current Est.
$62,625
2019–2027 Growth
+73.7%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Modesto (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $38,030 | Actual |
| 2020 | $38,920 | Actual |
| 2021 | $37,580 | Actual |
| 2022 | $47,260 | Actual |
| 2023 | $48,370 | Actual |
| 2024 | $50,370 | Actual |
| 2025 | $59,360 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $62,625 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $66,069 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Modesto metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 56.1% from $38,030 (2019) to $59,360 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $66,069 by 2027 — a total increase of $28,039 (73.73%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Modesto 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) | $49,406 – $51,642 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $51,642 – $62,625 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $62,625 – $64,946 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $64,946 – $78,081 |
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 Modesto
The job market for veterinary technologists and technicians in Modesto is bolstered by 140 individuals currently employed in this field, indicating a stable demand for these professionals. However, the cost of living in Modesto, which has a cost of living index of 104.108, suggests that while salaries are relatively high, they must be viewed in context. Urgent care and specialty hospitals often offer the most competitive pay, leveraging their need for specialized skills, while corporate chain hospitals might have a different pay scale compared to general practice clinics. Factors contributing to the variability in salaries include VTS credentials, shifts at 24-hour emergency facilities, and positions that involve mentorship or leadership. To maximize earning potential in Modesto, pursuing specialization and seeking employment at specialty or emergency facilities can prove beneficial for veterinary technologists and technicians.
More salary data for Modesto, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do veterinary technologists and technicians make in Modesto, CA in 2026?
Is Modesto, CA a good place to work as a veterinary technologist and technician?
Can veterinary technologists and technicians make $100K in Modesto?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted veterinary technologist and technician salary in Modesto?
How much does a veterinary technologist and technician make per hour in Modesto?
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 $59,360 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Modesto 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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