Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Stockton, CA: $59,091 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Stockton, CA earns a median $59,091/year (≈ $28.41/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Stockton's price level (5% above national, BEA RPP 105.1), that paycheck buys what $56,229 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.6% below the California state average.
Official BLS data · View source
Veterinary technologists and technicians in Stockton, California, can expect a median annual salary of $59,091 in 2026, reflecting a competitive edge compared to the national median of $49,986. The salary range for the profession spans from $49,764 at the 10th percentile to $65,653 at the 90th percentile, showcasing a pay gradient influenced by the settings where these professionals work. Data from the official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS highlights that specialty hospitals tend to offer higher salaries than general practice clinics, suggesting career paths can significantly impact earnings. This information underscores Stockton's robust job market for veterinary technologists and technicians, which is vital for those evaluating employment opportunities.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $49,764 | $23.93 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $52,929 | $25.45 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $59,091 | $28.41 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $63,733 | $30.65 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $65,653 | $31.57 |
Median Salary Position
18.22% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Stockton
In Stockton, CA, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $15,889 (2026 est.). At $59,091, the local median is 18.22% above the national median of $49,986.
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At 40 hours/week in Stockton: You'd be above the median
How Stockton Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Stockton median: $59,091/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Stockton Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $62,596 | -5.60% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | +18.22% more |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Stockton, CA earn a median of $59,091 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.22% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 5.60% below the California state average of $62,596.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Stockton has a cost of living 5.09% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Stockton, CA has a cost-of-living index of 105.089 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $59,091 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $56,229 — a 4.84% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$37,290
2025 BLS Actual
$56,010
2026 Current Est.
$59,091
2019–2027 Growth
+67.2%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Stockton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $37,290 | Actual |
| 2020 | $38,280 | Actual |
| 2021 | $37,920 | Actual |
| 2022 | $46,510 | Actual |
| 2023 | $47,040 | Actual |
| 2024 | $48,500 | Actual |
| 2025 | $56,010 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $59,091 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $62,341 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Stockton metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 50.2% from $37,290 (2019) to $56,010 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $62,341 by 2027 — a total increase of $25,051 (67.18%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Stockton 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) | $49,764 – $52,929 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $52,929 – $59,091 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $59,091 – $63,733 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $63,733 – $65,653 |
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 Stockton
With around 140 veterinary technologists and technicians currently employed in the Stockton area, the local job market appears to be stable though competitive. The cost-of-living index in Stockton stands at 105.089, slightly above the national average, which can affect the take-home purchasing power for these professionals. Among local employers, specialty and emergency referral hospitals typically provide the highest compensation, followed closely by corporate chain hospitals like VCA and BluePearl. Factors contributing to the disparity in pay include the pursuit of specialty credentials such as those from the Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) program, which command higher hourly wages. For those seeking to maximize their income, focusing on advanced specializations or positions in high-demand emergency settings may be prudent strategies in this dynamic Stockton market.
More salary data for Stockton, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do veterinary technologists and technicians make in Stockton, CA in 2026?
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Can veterinary technologists and technicians make $100K in Stockton?
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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 $56,010 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Stockton 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