Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in San Mateo, CA: $63,289 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in San Mateo, CA earns a median $63,289/year (≈ $30.43/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in San Mateo's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $55,958 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.1% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the veterinary technologist and technician salary in San Mateo, CA, reaches a competitive median of $63,289 annually, significantly higher than the national figure of $49,986. Salaries in the region show a wide range, with entry-level positions starting around $44,506 and experienced professionals earning as much as $87,720. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for local pricing variances, reflect the robust demand for skilled veterinary technologists and technicians in the area, especially as corporate chains like VCA and BluePearl establish their presence. The local job market experience can be further contextualized by its growth outlook, with a promising annual growth rate of 5.50% expected over the next five years.
About the San Mateo Market
Salary estimated from California average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $44,506 | $21.40 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $53,091 | $25.52 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $63,289 | $30.43 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $76,741 | $36.89 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $87,720 | $42.17 |
Median Salary Position
26.61% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in San Mateo
In San Mateo, CA, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $43,214 (2026 est.). At $63,289, the local median is 26.61% above the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in San Mateo: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How San Mateo Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
San Mateo median: $63,289/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | San Mateo Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $62,601 | +1.10% more |
| National Average | $49,986 | +26.61% more |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in San Mateo, CA earn a median of $63,289 per year (2026 est.), which is 26.61% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 1.10% above the California state average of $62,601.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
San Mateo has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
San Mateo, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $63,289 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $55,958 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$44,720
2025 BLS Actual
$59,990
2026 Current Est.
$63,289
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in San Mateo (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 | $45,910 | Actual |
| 2021 | $46,657 | Actual |
| 2022 | $48,417 | Actual |
| 2023 | $55,381 | Actual |
| 2024 | $59,436 | Actual |
| 2025 | $59,990 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $63,289 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $66,770 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the San Mateo metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $44,720 (2019) to $59,990 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $66,770 by 2027 — a total increase of $22,050 (49.31%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the San Mateo 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) | $44,506 – $53,091 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $53,091 – $63,289 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $63,289 – $76,741 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $76,741 – $87,720 |
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 Mateo
San Mateo employs 21 veterinary technologists and technicians, indicating a specialized yet limited job market. The cost of living index in the area sits at 113.1, suggesting that while salaries are above national averages, the purchasing power can be impacted by living costs. Among the various employers, corporate chain hospitals like VCA and BluePearl generally offer the highest pay, often utilizing a tiered compensation structure that recognizes experience and specialized credentialing. The variation in salaries is predominantly driven by the need for Veterinary Technician Specialists (VTS) in various fields such as emergency care and anesthesia, which command higher rates. For those in San Mateo looking to maximize their earnings, pursuing specialty certifications and gaining experience in high-demand settings like specialty referral hospitals or emergency clinics can be particularly beneficial.
More salary data for San Mateo, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do veterinary technologists and technicians make in San Mateo, CA in 2026?
Is San Mateo, CA a good place to work as a veterinary technologist and technician?
Can veterinary technologists and technicians make $100K in San Mateo?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted veterinary technologist and technician salary in San Mateo?
How much does a veterinary technologist and technician make per hour in San Mateo?
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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 $59,990 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the San Mateo 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 Mateo 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