Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Pleasanton, CA: $63,197 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Pleasanton, CA earns a median $63,197/year (≈ $30.38/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Pleasanton's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $55,877 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.9% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Veterinary technologists and technicians in Pleasanton, CA, can expect a median annual salary of $63,197 in 2026, significantly higher than the national median of $49,986. Local salaries range from $47,287 at the 10th percentile to $84,226 at the 90th percentile, illustrating a pay gradient influenced by various factors such as workplace specialty and type of practice. These figures are approximately 26.43% above the national average and reflect adjustments for regional cost disparities. Notably, salaries tend to be higher in specialty hospitals compared to general practice settings, as advanced skills and credentials such as the Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) can substantially elevate earning potential in this competitive market.
About the Pleasanton Market
Salary estimated from California average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,287 | $22.74 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51,169 | $24.60 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $63,197 | $30.38 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $77,341 | $37.18 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $84,226 | $40.49 |
Median Salary Position
26.43% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Pleasanton
In Pleasanton, CA, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $36,939 (2026 est.). At $63,197, the local median is 26.43% above the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Pleasanton: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Pleasanton Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Pleasanton median: $63,197/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Pleasanton Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $62,633 | +0.90% more |
| National Average | $49,986 | +26.43% more |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Pleasanton, CA earn a median of $63,197 per year (2026 est.), which is 26.43% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 0.90% above the California state average of $62,633.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Pleasanton has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Pleasanton, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $63,197 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $55,877 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$44,655
2025 BLS Actual
$59,902
2026 Current Est.
$63,197
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Pleasanton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44,655 | Actual |
| 2020 | $45,843 | Actual |
| 2021 | $46,589 | Actual |
| 2022 | $48,346 | Actual |
| 2023 | $55,300 | Actual |
| 2024 | $59,349 | Actual |
| 2025 | $59,902 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $63,197 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $66,672 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Pleasanton metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $44,655 (2019) to $59,902 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $66,672 by 2027 — a total increase of $22,017 (49.30%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Pleasanton 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) | $47,287 – $51,169 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $51,169 – $63,197 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $63,197 – $77,341 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $77,341 – $84,226 |
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 Pleasanton
In Pleasanton, there are currently 16 veterinary technologists and technicians employed, underscoring a local job market strengthened by the ongoing workforce shortage in the veterinary field. The cost-of-living index of 113.1 indicates that the expenses are above the national average, impacting take-home pay and purchasing power for professionals in this area. Employers like specialty referral hospitals and university teaching hospitals typically offer the highest pay, with additional compensation strategies including lead positions, mentor roles, and shifts at emergency clinics helping to bridge the pay gap. To maximize income in this particular market, pursuing advanced certifications through organizations such as NAVTA and focusing on areas of high demand—such as emergency and critical care—can significantly enhance salary prospects.
More salary data for Pleasanton, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do veterinary technologists and technicians make in Pleasanton, CA in 2026?
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Can veterinary technologists and technicians make $100K in Pleasanton?
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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 $59,902 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Pleasanton 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 Pleasanton 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