Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Turlock, CA: $61,242 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Turlock, CA earns a median $61,242/year (≈ $29.45/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Turlock's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $54,149 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.2% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Turlock, CA, the veterinary technologist and technician salary is projected to reach a median annual figure of $61,242 in 2026. This reflects a substantial increase from past years and positions Turlock above the national median salary for this profession, which is estimated at $49,986. The salary range in the area varies significantly, with entry-level positions starting at around $47,572, while top earners can make as much as $83,884 annually. These figures derive from localized estimates based on 2025 BLS data and account for regional cost-of-living adjustments, making the Turlock job market increasingly attractive for those in the veterinary field. The varied pay scale highlights the differences in compensation based on the type of practice, such as specialty hospitals versus general veterinary clinics.
About the Turlock Market
Salary estimated from California average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,572 | $22.87 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50,944 | $24.50 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $61,242 | $29.45 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $76,260 | $36.66 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $83,884 | $40.33 |
Median Salary Position
22.52% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Turlock
In Turlock, CA, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $36,312 (2026 est.). At $61,242, the local median is 22.52% above the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Turlock: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Turlock Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Turlock median: $61,242/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Turlock Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $62,619 | -2.20% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | +22.52% more |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Turlock, CA earn a median of $61,242 per year (2026 est.), which is 22.52% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 2.20% below the California state average of $62,619.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Turlock has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Turlock, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $61,242 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $54,149 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$43,273
2025 BLS Actual
$58,049
2026 Current Est.
$61,242
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Turlock (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $43,273 | Actual |
| 2020 | $44,425 | Actual |
| 2021 | $45,148 | Actual |
| 2022 | $46,851 | Actual |
| 2023 | $53,589 | Actual |
| 2024 | $57,514 | Actual |
| 2025 | $58,049 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61,242 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $64,610 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Turlock metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $43,273 (2019) to $58,049 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $64,610 by 2027 — a total increase of $21,337 (49.31%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Turlock 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) | $47,572 – $50,944 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $50,944 – $61,242 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $61,242 – $76,260 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $76,260 – $83,884 |
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 Turlock
Within the local market, there are currently 17 veterinary technologists and technicians employed, indicating a modest yet stable workforce. The cost of living index in Turlock stands at 113.1, suggesting that while salaries are competitive, the relatively higher living expenses can impact overall purchasing power. Specialty hospitals, particularly those offering advanced services in emergency care or surgical specialties, often provide the highest pay. Corporate chains like VCA or BluePearl might present different tiered scales based on their structured pay system, while general practices typically fall on the lower end of the spectrum. Factors such as veterinary technician specialty (VTS) credentials can drive salary variances, rewarding those who focus on advanced areas of expertise with significantly higher rates. Therefore, veterinary professionals considering a career in Turlock should pursue certifications and seek positions in specialties or corporate environments to optimize their earning potential.
More salary data for Turlock, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 $58,049 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Turlock 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 Turlock 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