Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Redwood City, CA: $61,258 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Redwood City, CA earns a median $61,258/year (≈ $29.46/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Redwood City's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $54,163 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.2% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Redwood City, the projected 2026 median annual salary for veterinary technologists and technicians is reported at $61,258, which is notably above the national median of $49,986. Professionals in this field can expect a salary range spanning from $47,608 at the 10th percentile to $81,661 at the 90th percentile, reflecting the significant pay gradient influenced by their workplace environment. Based on 2025 BLS data, projected to 2026, these figures account for local cost adjustments and reveal a growing demand for skilled staff, particularly in specialty hospitals compared to general practice settings, which typically offer lower compensation. As Redwood City continues to evolve, the ability to drive higher salaries often rests with obtaining specialty certifications or pursuing roles in advanced medical services.
About the Redwood City Market
Salary estimated from California average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,608 | $22.89 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $49,634 | $23.86 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $61,258 | $29.46 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $74,932 | $36.03 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $81,661 | $39.26 |
Median Salary Position
22.55% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Redwood City
In Redwood City, CA, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $34,053 (2026 est.). At $61,258, the local median is 22.55% above the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Redwood City: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Redwood City Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Redwood City median: $61,258/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Redwood City Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $62,636 | -2.20% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | +22.55% more |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Redwood City, CA earn a median of $61,258 per year (2026 est.), which is 22.55% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 2.20% below the California state average of $62,636.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Redwood City has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Redwood City, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $61,258 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $54,163 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$43,285
2025 BLS Actual
$58,064
2026 Current Est.
$61,258
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Redwood City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $43,285 | Actual |
| 2020 | $44,436 | Actual |
| 2021 | $45,160 | Actual |
| 2022 | $46,863 | Actual |
| 2023 | $53,603 | Actual |
| 2024 | $57,528 | Actual |
| 2025 | $58,064 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61,258 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $64,627 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Redwood City metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $43,285 (2019) to $58,064 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $64,627 by 2027 — a total increase of $21,342 (49.31%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Redwood City 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) | $47,608 – $49,634 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $49,634 – $61,258 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $61,258 – $74,932 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $74,932 – $81,661 |
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 Redwood City
In terms of local employment, only 13 veterinary technologists and technicians are currently active in Redwood City, suggesting a tight job market amid increasing demand. The cost of living index here stands at 113.1, indicating that living expenses are higher than the national average. This context impacts take-home pay for those in the profession. Employers such as specialty referral hospitals and corporate chains like VCA or BluePearl generally offer the most lucrative compensation packages, often supplementing base salaries with shift differentials and advanced role premiums. Factors such as specialty credentialing (like VTS in emergency care, anesthesia, or internal medicine) significantly influence income potential, allowing skilled technicians to command higher hourly rates that can fall between $30 and $45 or more. To maximize earnings in the Redwood City CA market, professionals should prioritize obtaining specialty certifications and consider opportunities within corporate practice spheres that structure their pay scales to attract top talent.
More salary data for Redwood City, 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 $58,064 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Redwood City 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 Redwood City 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