Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in San Leandro, CA: $61,555 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in San Leandro, CA earns a median $61,555/year (≈ $29.59/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in San Leandro's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $54,425 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.7% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, veterinary technologists and technicians in San Leandro, California, can expect a median annual salary of $61,555, which represents a significant 23.14% increase over the national median of $49,986. The salary range for this occupation varies considerably, with the lower ten percent earning roughly $48,313 while the top ten percent can command around $84,933. These figures are based on estimates derived from 2025 BLS data and regional cost adjustments, reflecting the higher cost of living in San Leandro, which boasts a cost of living index of 113.1. Given the presence of corporate chains like VCA and BluePearl, the local market shows strong potential for competitive salaries, especially as the demand for qualified veterinary professionals continues to rise.
About the San Leandro Market
Salary estimated from California average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,313 | $23.23 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51,576 | $24.79 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $61,555 | $29.59 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $73,329 | $35.26 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $84,933 | $40.83 |
Median Salary Position
23.14% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in San Leandro
In San Leandro, CA, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $36,620 (2026 est.). At $61,555, the local median is 23.14% above the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in San Leandro: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How San Leandro Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
San Leandro median: $61,555/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | San Leandro Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $62,620 | -1.70% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | +23.14% more |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in San Leandro, CA earn a median of $61,555 per year (2026 est.), which is 23.14% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 1.70% below the California state average of $62,620.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
San Leandro has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
San Leandro, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $61,555 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $54,425 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$43,495
2025 BLS Actual
$58,346
2026 Current Est.
$61,555
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in San Leandro (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $43,495 | Actual |
| 2020 | $44,652 | Actual |
| 2021 | $45,379 | Actual |
| 2022 | $47,091 | Actual |
| 2023 | $53,864 | Actual |
| 2024 | $57,807 | Actual |
| 2025 | $58,346 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61,555 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $64,941 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the San Leandro metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $43,495 (2019) to $58,346 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $64,941 by 2027 — a total increase of $21,446 (49.31%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the San Leandro 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) | $48,313 – $51,576 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $51,576 – $61,555 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $61,555 – $73,329 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $73,329 – $84,933 |
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 Leandro
With 23 veterinary technologists and technicians currently employed in San Leandro, the job market is relatively concentrated, intensifying competition among employers. Understanding the local cost-of-living reality is crucial; with an index above the national average, take-home pay may stretch further in this high-demand area. Corporate chain hospitals often provide the highest compensation, although specialty hospitals also play a significant role in driving up pay scales. Factors such as VTS specialty credentials and experience in emergency and critical care can result in substantial pay differentials, allowing some individuals to earn upwards of $40 per hour. For those looking to maximize their earning potential in San Leandro, pursuing advanced certifications and seeking positions in specialty or emergency care settings can be strategic moves, particularly as the veterinary technician workforce experiences ongoing shortages.
More salary data for San Leandro, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do veterinary technologists and technicians make in San Leandro, CA in 2026?
Is San Leandro, CA a good place to work as a veterinary technologist and technician?
Can veterinary technologists and technicians make $100K in San Leandro?
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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 $58,346 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the San Leandro 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 San Leandro 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