In this Article
By: All Allied Health Staff
Veterinary technicians play a vital role in California’s workforce, as it is the third highest employer of vet techs in the U.S., said the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Veterinary technicians play a crucial role in the animal healthcare system in California, much like they do elsewhere. Just a couple of reasons why these technicians make a difference are:
- Managing emergencies: In emergency situations, vet techs provide critical support, performing tasks such as administering first aid, stabilizing animals and preparing them for emergency surgery.
- Client communication: Vet techs often serve as a bridge between veterinarians and pet owners, explaining treatment plans, providing education on animal care and ensuring that owners understand how to care for their pets post-treatment.
- Preventive care: In California and elsewhere, they play a key role in preventive care by administering vaccines, performing routine check-ups and providing nutritional and behavioral guidance, which helps in early detection of pet health issues.
Quick view of vet techs in California
There are 9,320 people employed as veterinary technicians and technologists in California. The median wage per hour is $26 and the forecasted job growth for the coming decade is 9.1%, considerably higher than the job growth rate for all other career fields combined, said the BLS.
Vet techs assist veterinarians in a variety of procedures, including surgeries, dental cleanings and diagnostic tests, and they are critical to the veterinary industry. They ensure that the quality of care provided to animals is high and efficient. If you’re considering a vet tech role in California, here are just five state-wide employers that utilize their expertise and skills. You might also consider private veterinary clinics and emergency animal hospitals in your town or city:
- Banfield Pet Hospital, multiple locations, CA:
- One of the largest veterinary chains in the United States, Banfield Pet Hospital has numerous locations throughout California and offers a range of veterinary services.
- VCA Animal Hospitals, multiple locations, CA:
- VCA operates over 1,000 animal hospitals in North America, including many in California. They provide comprehensive veterinary services, from primary care to specialized treatments.
- University of California, Davis (UC Davis Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital), CA:
- As one of the top veterinary schools in the world, UC Davis provides advanced veterinary care and employs many vet techs in their teaching hospital. Davis is an agricultural area, so vet techs may be able to specialize in larger animals, such as cows and horses.
- BluePearl Specialty and Emergency Pet Hospital, Del Ray Oaks and other locations, CA:
- With multiple locations across California, BluePearl focuses on specialty and emergency veterinary services, employing vet techs with specialized training.
- Petco, multiple locations, CA:
- Through its Vetco clinics and full-service veterinary hospitals, Petco provides various health and wellness services for pets, employing vet techs across its locations in California.
Salary quick stats
While the median national salary for vet technicians and technologists—is just over $45,980 a year, pay may vary depending upon several factors, including where you work and live, how much experience you have, what certifications you have earned, and your level of education.
Median veterinary technician salary in California
The median annual salary for vet techs in California is $55,080, which makes it the second highest paying state in the U.S. said the BLS. However, it’s important to note that salaries may vary based on location within the state. The salary widget below provides the median national wage along with data for different metro areas in California, listed by highest paying first.
Veterinary Technologists and Technicians
10%$41,020
25%$47,340
50%$55,080Median
75%$61,810
90%$74,390
Median Hourly Wage$26
Job growth9.1%
Total Employment11,380
| Metro area | Median Salary | Bottom 10% | Top 10% |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA | $66,300 | $50,600 | $84,740 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $60,180 | $48,220 | $75,880 |
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA | $58,120 | $46,780 | $74,880 |
| Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA | $58,010 | $47,780 | $77,670 |
| Vallejo, CA | $57,610 | $46,720 | $75,340 |
| Chico, CA | $57,600 | $40,220 | $61,250 |
| Napa, CA | $57,300 | $46,890 | $70,540 |
| Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA | $57,080 | $40,440 | $68,430 |
| Salinas, CA | $55,990 | $47,460 | $74,380 |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA | $52,090 | $44,760 | $68,380 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) 2024 median salary; projected job growth through 2034. Actual salaries may vary depending on location, level of education, years of experience, work environment, and other factors. Salaries may differ even more for those who are self-employed or work part time.
Salary range for California vet techs
The salary range for vet techs in California typically spans from $41,020 to $74,390 per year. This accounts for entry-level positions to senior-level roles and takes into consideration other factors such as experience, education and time in the position.
A word about vet technicians and technologists and why salaries may differ:
Veterinary technologists are similar to vet techs, but there’s a difference in terms of education needed to do the job. Veterinary technologists hold a bachelor’s degree in veterinary technology, which may provide more opportunities to advance in the field. Consequently, technologists may earn more than technicians, and technicians could choose to advance to technologist roles by completing two additional years of school and earning a bachelor’s degree.
Pay by metro area within California
Your earning level may depend upon where you live within a state. For example, cities tend to pay better than rural or less populated areas. If your city is an industry hub, say for example you work in veterinary medicine and you live in a city that has several high profile vet hospitals or big box stores such as Petco, pay may be more competitive. That said, here’s what the BLS reports as highest paying cities in the U.S.
Not surprisingly, California’s metro areas dominate the list, along with Washington state cities, and since the state offers the second highest pay as a whole, it makes sense that its cities align with this ranking. San Francisco takes the top spot in the country, with the Vallejo-Fairfield area ranking second and the San Jose area coming in third.
Salary growth and job outlook
The veterinary technician industry in California is experiencing growth, with the BLS projecting 9.1% growth over the next decade. Industry reports and market analyses often highlight the growing demand for veterinary services in urban and suburban areas of California, where pet ownership is particularly high. Several factors contribute to this trend:
- Increased pet ownership: There has been a significant rise in pet ownership, which drives demand for veterinary services, including those provided by vet techs.
- Advancements in veterinary medicine: Innovations and advancements in veterinary medicine increase the need for skilled technicians who can operate new medical technologies and support complex procedures.
- Emphasis on preventive care: Greater awareness and emphasis on preventive care for pets mean more routine check-ups, vaccinations and wellness visits, all of which require the assistance of vet techs.
- Expanded roles: The scope of practice for vet techs is expanding, allowing them to take on more responsibilities, which in turn increases the demand for their services.
- Economic growth: As California continues to experience economic growth, more pet owners can afford higher-quality veterinary care, which increases the need for veterinary services and staff.
Factors affecting vet tech salaries in CA
Several specific factors can influence the salary of a veterinary technician in California. These factors include:
- Experience:
- Entry-level vet techs generally earn less than those with several years of experience. With more experience, vet techs can take on more responsibilities and may be eligible for higher-paying positions.
- Education and certifications:
- Vet techs with an associate degree may earn less than those with a bachelor’s degree in veterinary technology. Obtaining certification as a Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) in California may lead to higher pay. Specializations, such as becoming a Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) in areas like anesthesia, surgery or emergency and critical care, can also increase earning potential.
- Employer type:
- Vet techs working in private veterinary clinics may earn less than those employed by larger veterinary hospitals or specialty practices. Working at veterinary schools or teaching hospitals, such as UC Davis Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, may offer higher salaries and more comprehensive benefits. Employers like Banfield Pet Hospital and VCA Animal Hospitals may offer competitive salaries and benefits due to their size and resources.
- Geographic location:
- Salaries can vary significantly between urban and rural areas. Vet techs in cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco and San Diego may earn more due to the higher cost of living. Areas with higher demand for veterinary services might offer higher wages to attract qualified professionals.
- Specialized skills:
- Vet techs with specialized skills in areas like dental procedures, anesthesia, emergency care or laboratory analysis may be able to command higher salaries. Holding advanced certifications in specific areas of veterinary care may also lead to higher pay.
- Work environment:
- Working in emergency or specialty clinics, which often require more intensive and specialized care, may lead to higher pay compared to general practice clinics. Opportunities for overtime, weekend shifts and on-call duties at these types of clinics may also increase overall pay.
How can I know if I am being paid fairly as a vet tech in California?
There are specific steps you can take to discern whether or not your salary measures up to industry standards. With the state of California being as large and varied as it is, and the type of employers available for vet techs being as diverse as they are, gauging your salary’s accuracy may be difficult. Nevertheless, these steps may help you make a more accurate assessment.
- Gather data: Compile the salary data and other relevant information that supports your case. Look for state-specific data from sources like the California Employment Development Department or industry reports that provide insights into regional salaries. Compare your years of experience with the industry averages. More experienced vet techs generally earn higher salaries.
- Prepare a case: Be ready to present your achievements, certifications and contributions to your employer. If you hold certifications like RVT (Registered Veterinary Technician) or specialize in a particular area, you may expect to earn more than the average vet tech.
- Negotiate: Schedule a meeting with your employer and HR to discuss your compensation. Be prepared to negotiate and provide evidence for why you deserve a raise. Consider the total compensation package you’ve been offered, including benefits like health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, continuing education allowances and other perks. Sometimes, these benefits can significantly add to the value of your salary.
- Consider alternatives: If your employer is unwilling to adjust your pay, you may need to consider looking for opportunities with other employers who offer more competitive compensation.
- File a complaint: If you feel the pay disparity is based on a protected characteristic—which in the state of California means race, ancestry, religion, age, mental or physical disability, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, a medical condition, genetic information, marital status or military or veteran status—you may file a complaint with the Civil Rights Department of the State of California.
Education and training
The basic education requirements for veterinary technicians in California include completing a formal education program, gaining practical experience and obtaining certification. Here’s a detailed overview:
- Prerequisite education: The first step is to earn a high school diploma or equivalent (such as a GED). High school coursework in biology, chemistry and mathematics can be beneficial.
- Earn an associate degree: The most common educational path is to complete an Associate of Science or Associate of Applied Science degree in veterinary technology. These programs typically take about two years to complete. The program must be accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities (CVTEA). Accreditation ensures the program meets the standards necessary to prepare students for the profession.
- Make sure your coursework includes: Veterinary technology programs include coursework in animal anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, radiology, anesthesia, surgical nursing, parasitology and veterinary office management. Programs also require hands-on clinical training in veterinary settings, such as animal hospitals, clinics and research facilities. This practical experience is crucial for developing the skills needed to work as a vet tech.
- Pass the required exams: After completing an accredited veterinary technology program, graduates must pass the California Registered Veterinary Technician Exam to become a certified RVT. In addition to the state exam, aspiring vet techs must pass the VTNE, which is a national standardized exam administered by the American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB).
Some employers may require a background check before hiring. To maintain certification, RVTs must complete continuing education credits as required by the California Veterinary Medical Board (VMB). This ensures that vet techs stay current with advancements in the field.
Cost of living considerations
The cost of living for vet techs in California is relatively high, especially in major urban areas. Housing, transportation, food, healthcare, utilities and state income and sales taxes all contribute to the overall expenses. Salaries for vet techs in California generally reflect these higher living costs, but it is crucial for vet techs to carefully manage their budgets to maintain a reasonable standard of living.
RentCafe says the cost of living in California is 38% higher than the national average, with housing at 97% higher than the national average. Here are costs of living for the California cities the BLS lists as paying vet techs the highest salaries:
| California city | Cost of living (versus the national average) |
|---|---|
| San Francisco | 71% higher |
| San Jose | 75% higher |
| Sacramento | 20% higher |
| San Diego | 42% higher |
California professional associations and networking
The following associations offer valuable resources and support for veterinary technicians and technologists, helping them to advance their careers and stay informed about the latest developments in the field.
California Registered Veterinary Technicians Association (CaRVTA): The California Registered Veterinary Technicians Association (CaRVTA) is a professional organization dedicated to supporting and advancing the interests of registered veterinary technicians in California.
National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA): While NAVTA is a national organization, it serves veterinary technicians and technologists across the United States, including those in California. It provides a broad range of resources and support for vet techs, including include access to continuing education.
Find comprehensive vet tech salary guides for your state: California | Colorado | Florida | Georgia | Indiana | Massachusetts | Michigan | New Jersey | New York | Ohio | Texas
This vet tech salary guide for California strives to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the salary landscape and key information regarding the profession. Use this guide as a starting point to make informed decisions about your career path, negotiating salaries and for setting realistic expectations for your educational and professional future.