Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Richmond, CA: $63,811 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Richmond, CA earns a median $63,811/year (≈ $30.68/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Richmond's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $56,420 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.9% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, veterinary technologists and technicians in Richmond, California, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $63,811, significantly above the national average of $49,986. This local compensation positions Richmond CA as a competitive market for veterinary professionals, with salaries ranging from $45,505 at the 10th percentile to $85,547 for the 90th percentile. These salary estimates derive from 2025 BLS OEWS data, adjusted for regional cost factors. For those pursuing advanced VTS specialties, such as emergency and critical care (VTS-ECC) or anesthesia, there is a clear opportunity to enhance earning potential in this job market, which remains robust amidst a nationwide veterinary technician workforce shortage.
About the Richmond Market
Salary estimated from California average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,505 | $21.88 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50,361 | $24.21 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $63,811 | $30.68 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $77,960 | $37.48 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $85,547 | $41.12 |
Median Salary Position
27.66% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Richmond
In Richmond, CA, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $40,042 (2026 est.). At $63,811, the local median is 27.66% above the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Richmond: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Richmond Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Richmond median: $63,811/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Richmond Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $62,621 | +1.90% more |
| National Average | $49,986 | +27.66% more |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Richmond, CA earn a median of $63,811 per year (2026 est.), which is 27.66% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 1.90% above the California state average of $62,621.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Richmond has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Richmond, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $63,811 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $56,420 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$45,089
2025 BLS Actual
$60,484
2026 Current Est.
$63,811
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Richmond (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45,089 | Actual |
| 2020 | $46,289 | Actual |
| 2021 | $47,042 | Actual |
| 2022 | $48,816 | Actual |
| 2023 | $55,837 | Actual |
| 2024 | $59,925 | Actual |
| 2025 | $60,484 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $63,811 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67,320 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Richmond metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $45,089 (2019) to $60,484 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $67,320 by 2027 — a total increase of $22,231 (49.30%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Richmond 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) | $45,505 – $50,361 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $50,361 – $63,811 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $63,811 – $77,960 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $77,960 – $85,547 |
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 Richmond
The job market for veterinary technologists and technicians in Richmond reflects a strong demand, with approximately 25 professionals currently employed in the area. However, the area's cost-of-living index is 113.1, indicating that living expenses are higher than the national average, which can impact overall purchasing power. Employers such as specialty referral hospitals and corporate chains like VCA and BluePearl tend to offer the highest salaries. Factors contributing to the disparity in pay include the VTS specialty credential's value—allowing specialists to command premium wages—as well as variances in corporate pay scales and compensation models between general practice and specialty settings. To maximize earnings in Richmond, professionals should consider pursuing VTS certification, gaining experience in high-demand specialty areas, and seeking opportunities at corporate hospital chains known for their competitive pay structures.
More salary data for Richmond, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can veterinary technologists and technicians make $100K in Richmond?
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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 $60,484 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Richmond 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 Richmond 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