Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Sacramento, CA: $64,323 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Sacramento, CA earns a median $64,323/year (≈ $30.92/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Sacramento's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 106.7), that paycheck buys what $60,301 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.7% above the California state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Sacramento, the veterinary technologist and technician salary is projected to reach a median of $64,323 for 2026, significantly outperforming the national median of $49,986. This reflects a robust local job sector where skilled professionals can expect to earn between $52,085 and $80,106 annually. The data, derived from 2025 BLS OEWS surveys and projected into 2026, highlights the competitive nature of the market, particularly for those pursuing advanced credentials like the Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) in emergency and critical care or anesthesia. Such specialized qualifications can lead to higher pay and demand, bolstering the appeal of pursuing this path in Sacramento’s vibrant veterinary community.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $52,085 | $25.05 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $59,481 | $28.60 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $64,323 | $30.92 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $66,201 | $31.83 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $80,106 | $38.52 |
Median Salary Position
28.68% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Sacramento
In Sacramento, CA, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $28,021 (2026 est.). At $64,323, the local median is 28.68% above the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Sacramento: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Sacramento Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Sacramento median: $64,323/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Sacramento Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $62,632 | +2.70% more |
| National Average | $49,986 | +28.68% more |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Sacramento, CA earn a median of $64,323 per year (2026 est.), which is 28.68% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 2.70% above the California state average of $62,632.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Sacramento has a cost of living 6.67% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Sacramento, CA has a cost-of-living index of 106.67 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $64,323 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $60,301 — a 6.25% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$33,520
2025 BLS Actual
$60,970
2026 Current Est.
$64,323
2019–2027 Growth
+102.4%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Sacramento (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33,520 | Actual |
| 2020 | $45,010 | Actual |
| 2021 | $46,660 | Actual |
| 2022 | $49,260 | Actual |
| 2023 | $57,490 | Actual |
| 2024 | $58,120 | Actual |
| 2025 | $60,970 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $64,323 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67,861 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Sacramento metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 81.9% from $33,520 (2019) to $60,970 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $67,861 by 2027 — a total increase of $34,341 (102.45%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Sacramento 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) | $52,085 – $59,481 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $59,481 – $64,323 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $64,323 – $66,201 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $66,201 – $80,106 |
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 Sacramento
As of 2026, approximately 1,010 veterinary technologists and technicians are employed in Sacramento, contributing to a growing job market strengthened by an annual growth rate of 5.50%. The cost of living index sits at 106.67, indicating that while salaries are above the national average, the increased expenses associated with living in the area impact overall purchasing power. High-paying employers in this market include specialty referral hospitals and university teaching hospitals, where roles that require VTS credentials often command premiums. Factors such as working in corporate chain hospitals, seniority, and shift differentials at emergency facilities can widen the salary gap, making strategic career choices essential. To maximize earning potential, professionals should consider obtaining specialty certifications and seeking employment in settings that value advanced skills and experience, paving the way for a rewarding career in veterinary care in Sacramento, CA.
More salary data for Sacramento, 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 $60,970 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Sacramento 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