Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Napa, CA: $63,733 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Napa, CA earns a median $63,733/year (≈ $30.65/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Napa's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 112.6), that paycheck buys what $56,624 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.8% above the California state average.
Official BLS data · View source

In Napa, California, the projected median annual salary for veterinary technologists and technicians is $63,733 for 2026. This figure represents a notable 27.50% increase above the national median of $49,986, reflecting the higher pay landscape in the Napa area. The salary range for this role is fairly expansive, with entry-level positions starting at approximately $48,414 and experienced technicians earning as much as $77,564. These insights are derived from the official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS surveys and underline the competitive pay structure in Napa, which can be influenced by a variety of factors, including the choice between specialty hospitals and general practice settings. With the growing demand in veterinary care, particularly for specialized services, the job market continues to evolve, providing ample opportunities for skilled professionals.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,414 | $23.27 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $54,079 | $26.01 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $63,733 | $30.65 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $67,974 | $32.68 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $77,564 | $37.28 |
Median Salary Position
27.50% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Napa
In Napa, CA, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $29,150 (2026 est.). At $63,733, the local median is 27.5% above the national median of $49,986.
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At 40 hours/week in Napa: You'd be above the median
How Napa Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Napa median: $63,733/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Napa Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $62,606 | +1.80% more |
| National Average | $49,986 | +27.50% more |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Napa, CA earn a median of $63,733 per year (2026 est.), which is 27.50% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 1.80% above the California state average of $62,606.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Napa has a cost of living 12.55% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Napa, CA has a cost-of-living index of 112.554 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $63,733 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $56,624 — a 11.15% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$35,050
2025 BLS Actual
$60,410
2026 Current Est.
$63,733
2019–2027 Growth
+91.8%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Napa (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $35,050 | Actual |
| 2020 | $46,232 | Actual |
| 2021 | $46,984 | Actual |
| 2022 | $46,050 | Actual |
| 2023 | $55,769 | Actual |
| 2024 | $57,300 | Actual |
| 2025 | $60,410 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $63,733 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67,238 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Napa metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 72.4% from $35,050 (2019) to $60,410 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $67,238 by 2027 — a total increase of $32,188 (91.83%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Napa 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) | $48,414 – $54,079 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $54,079 – $63,733 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $63,733 – $67,974 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $67,974 – $77,564 |
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 Napa
There are currently about 30 veterinary technologists and technicians employed in Napa, indicating a steady need for these professionals amid a challenging workforce shortage. The cost of living index in this region stands at 112.554, which is above the national average, potentially impacting the disposable income of these technicians. Among the local employers, specialty referral hospitals usually offer the highest pay, bolstered by the demand for advanced skills in fields like emergency care and anesthesia. The pay gradient reflects various factors, such as the value of VTS specialty credentials and the impact of corporate chain wage scales seen in operations like VCA and BluePearl. For technicians looking to maximize their earning potential, pursuing specialty certification can significantly boost their pay, especially in high-demand areas, alongside seeking positions in specialty hospitals that provide competitive salaries and benefits.
More salary data for Napa, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 $60,410 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Napa 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, 4-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