Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in San Rafael, CA: $63,538 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in San Rafael, CA earns a median $63,538/year (≈ $30.54/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in San Rafael's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $56,179 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.5% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, veterinary technologists and technicians in San Rafael, California, are expected to earn a median annual salary of $63,538, significantly higher than the national median of $49,986. The local salary range spans from $48,039 at the 10th percentile to $83,024 at the 90th percentile, reflecting a competitive pay scale that has been influenced by corporate chains like VCA and BluePearl. These organizations tend to offer structured compensation packages that can elevate earnings, particularly in a market where demand for veterinary services continues to grow. Regional cost adjustments from the Bureau of Labor Statistics indicate that salaries in this area not only direct attention to the current trends but also underscore the importance of understanding local employment conditions for aspiring veterinary professionals.
About the San Rafael Market
Salary estimated from California average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,039 | $23.09 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51,866 | $24.94 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $63,538 | $30.54 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $76,716 | $36.88 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $83,024 | $39.91 |
Median Salary Position
27.11% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in San Rafael
In San Rafael, CA, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $34,985 (2026 est.). At $63,538, the local median is 27.11% above the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in San Rafael: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How San Rafael Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
San Rafael median: $63,538/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | San Rafael Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $62,599 | +1.50% more |
| National Average | $49,986 | +27.11% more |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in San Rafael, CA earn a median of $63,538 per year (2026 est.), which is 27.11% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 1.50% above the California state average of $62,599.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
San Rafael has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
San Rafael, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $63,538 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $56,179 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$44,896
2025 BLS Actual
$60,226
2026 Current Est.
$63,538
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in San Rafael (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44,896 | Actual |
| 2020 | $46,091 | Actual |
| 2021 | $46,841 | Actual |
| 2022 | $48,608 | Actual |
| 2023 | $55,599 | Actual |
| 2024 | $59,670 | Actual |
| 2025 | $60,226 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $63,538 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67,033 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the San Rafael metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $44,896 (2019) to $60,226 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $67,033 by 2027 — a total increase of $22,137 (49.31%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the San Rafael 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) | $48,039 – $51,866 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $51,866 – $63,538 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $63,538 – $76,716 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $76,716 – $83,024 |
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 Rafael
Analyzing the local job market reveals that there are currently 11 veterinary technologists and technicians working in the San Rafael area, contributing to a sustainable employment landscape. However, the cost of living index stands at 113.1, suggesting that while salaries are relatively high compared to the national average, they must adequately account for the increased expenses of living in the area. Corporate hospitals and specialty facilities often pay the most, with those holding VTS specialty credentials in areas such as emergency care or anesthesia often commanding higher salaries. This disparity arises from factors such as the level of specialization, the type of facility—corporate versus general practice—and additional shifts or lead roles. Adopting strategies like pursuing VTS credentials or seeking employment in specialized settings can help maximize earnings potential for veterinary technologists and technicians in San Rafael, CA.
More salary data for San Rafael, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do veterinary technologists and technicians make in San Rafael, CA in 2026?
Is San Rafael, CA a good place to work as a veterinary technologist and technician?
Can veterinary technologists and technicians make $100K in San Rafael?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted veterinary technologist and technician salary in San Rafael?
How much does a veterinary technologist and technician make per hour in San Rafael?
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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 $60,226 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the San Rafael 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 Rafael 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