Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Union City, CA: $62,765 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Union City, CA earns a median $62,765/year (≈ $30.17/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Union City's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $55,495 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.2% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Union City, California, the projected median annual salary for veterinary technologists and technicians is $62,765 for the year 2026, reflecting a significant increase compared to national figures. Within this market, salaries range from $46,265 at the lower end to $80,647 for those at the top of the pay scale. These figures are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional price parity and local employment trends. The competitive pay reflects the growing demand for veterinary professionals within corporate settings, especially in chains like VCA and BluePearl, which often set industry standards in compensation.
About the Union City Market
Salary estimated from California average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,265 | $22.24 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $52,687 | $25.33 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $62,765 | $30.17 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $74,818 | $35.98 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $80,647 | $38.77 |
Median Salary Position
25.57% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Union City
In Union City, CA, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $34,382 (2026 est.). At $62,765, the local median is 25.57% above the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Union City: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Union City Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Union City median: $62,765/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Union City Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $62,640 | +0.20% more |
| National Average | $49,986 | +25.57% more |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Union City, CA earn a median of $62,765 per year (2026 est.), which is 25.57% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 0.20% above the California state average of $62,640.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Union City has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Union City, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $62,765 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $55,495 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$44,350
2025 BLS Actual
$59,493
2026 Current Est.
$62,765
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Union City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44,350 | Actual |
| 2020 | $45,530 | Actual |
| 2021 | $46,271 | Actual |
| 2022 | $48,016 | Actual |
| 2023 | $54,922 | Actual |
| 2024 | $58,944 | Actual |
| 2025 | $59,493 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $62,765 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $66,217 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Union City metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $44,350 (2019) to $59,493 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $66,217 by 2027 — a total increase of $21,867 (49.31%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Union City 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) | $46,265 – $52,687 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $52,687 – $62,765 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $62,765 – $74,818 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $74,818 – $80,647 |
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 Union City
The job market for veterinary technologists and technicians in Union City shows strength, with 11 professionals currently employed in the area. However, the cost of living index stands at 113.1, suggesting that while pay may appear attractive, local purchasing power is significantly impacted. Among employers, corporate chain hospitals typically offer the highest salaries, following by specialty referral hospitals. Factors influencing the pay range include specialized credentials such as the Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) designation, which can command higher wages, and the varying pay scales within general practice versus corporate and specialty settings. To maximize earning potential, aspiring technologists should consider pursuing additional certifications and seeking roles in areas with greater demand, such as emergency and critical care, where higher hourly rates are common.
More salary data for Union City, 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 $59,493 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Union City 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 Union City 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