Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in San Diego, CA: $63,595 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in San Diego, CA earns a median $63,595/year (≈ $30.57/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in San Diego's price level (12% above national, BEA RPP 111.9), that paycheck buys what $56,839 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.5% above the California state average.
Official BLS data · View source
Veterinary technologists and technicians in San Diego, California, have a promising earning potential, with a projected median annual salary of $63,595 for 2026. This figure represents a significant 27.23% increase compared to the national median, which sits at $49,986. The salary range for these professionals is broad, spanning from $51,948 at the 10th percentile to $78,724 at the 90th percentile. This data is derived from 2025 BLS OEWS surveys, showcasing how the local job market favors veterinary technicians as corporate chains like VCA and BluePearl establish their pay-scale systems. San Diego's position as a high-demand area for veterinary care translates directly into competitive salaries for these skilled workers.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $51,948 | $24.97 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $57,592 | $27.69 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $63,595 | $30.57 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $66,402 | $31.92 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $78,724 | $37.84 |
Median Salary Position
27.23% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in San Diego
In San Diego, CA, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $26,776 (2026 est.). At $63,595, the local median is 27.23% above the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in San Diego: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How San Diego Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
San Diego median: $63,595/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | San Diego Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $62,656 | +1.50% more |
| National Average | $49,986 | +27.23% more |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in San Diego, CA earn a median of $63,595 per year (2026 est.), which is 27.23% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 1.50% above the California state average of $62,656.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
San Diego has a cost of living 11.89% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
San Diego, CA has a cost-of-living index of 111.887 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $63,595 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $56,839 — a 10.62% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$44,720
2025 BLS Actual
$60,280
2026 Current Est.
$63,595
2019–2027 Growth
+50.0%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in San Diego (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44,720 | Actual |
| 2020 | $47,830 | Actual |
| 2021 | $46,210 | Actual |
| 2022 | $48,480 | Actual |
| 2023 | $56,380 | Actual |
| 2024 | $52,090 | Actual |
| 2025 | $60,280 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $63,595 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67,093 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the San Diego metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.8% from $44,720 (2019) to $60,280 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $67,093 by 2027 — a total increase of $22,373 (50.03%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the San Diego 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) | $51,948 – $57,592 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $57,592 – $63,595 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $63,595 – $66,402 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $66,402 – $78,724 |
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 San Diego
In terms of employment dynamics, approximately 1,330 veterinary technologists and technicians are employed in San Diego, contributing to a robust job market amid a growing demand for veterinary services. The cost of living index in the area stands at 111.887, indicating that living expenses are higher than the national average, which can impact take-home purchasing power. Among the local employers, corporate chain hospitals typically offer some of the higher pay rates, followed closely by specialty referral hospitals. The variation in salaries can largely be attributed to several factors, including specialization—such as the Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) credentialing in areas like anesthesia and emergency critical care—which can command top-tier pay. For those looking to maximize their incomes within this specific San Diego market, pursuing specialty certifications or seeking roles in higher-paying corporate environments may prove advantageous.
More salary data for San Diego, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do veterinary technologists and technicians make in San Diego, CA in 2026?
Is San Diego, CA a good place to work as a veterinary technologist and technician?
Can veterinary technologists and technicians make $100K in San Diego?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted veterinary technologist and technician salary in San Diego?
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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 $60,280 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the San Diego 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