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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Lead Veterinary Technician in California is $50,910 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $24.
However, a Lead Veterinary Technician's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Lead Veterinary Technician Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $56,476 | $4,706 | $1,086 | $27 |
| Average | $50,910 | $4,242 | $979 | $24 |
| 25th Percentile | $46,873 | $3,906 | $901 | $23 |
Mission Pet Health - San Diego, CA
National Veterinary Association - Brentwood, CA
National Veterinary Association - Vacaville, CA
Ethos Veterinary Health - Concord, CA
A Lead Veterinary Technician's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Lead Veterinary Technician's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here’s how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Lead Veterinary Technician | $50,237 |
| Intermediate Level Lead Veterinary Technician | $50,518 |
| Senior Level Lead Veterinary Technician | $51,358 |
| Specialist Level Lead Veterinary Technician | $53,873 |
| Expert Level Lead Veterinary Technician | $55,126 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Lead Veterinary Technicians. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:
For Lead Veterinary Technician roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 60% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Pharmaceuticals and Hospitality & Leisure sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Lead Veterinary Technician positions in Retail & Wholesale or Business Services typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Lead Veterinary Technician as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmaceuticals | $66,183 | $32.0 | 30% |
| Hospitality & Leisure | $61,092 | $29.0 | 20% |
| Healthcare | $56,001 | $27.0 | 10% |
Understanding how a Lead Veterinary Technician's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $56,476 | $4,706 | $1,086 | $27 |
| Average | $50,910 | $4,242 | $979 | $24 |
| 25th Percentile | $46,873 | $3,906 | $901 | $23 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Lead Veterinary Technician job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Thrive Pet Healthcare
Woodland Hills, CA
Thrive Pet Healthcare | Woodland Hills, CA
Description. Veterinary Technician Shift Lead - Overnight. Total Bonus Opportunity for. . Registered Veterinary Technicians. $10,000. This position is elig... more
2 Days Ago
Cerro Alto Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Hospital
San Luis Obispo, CA
Cerro Alto Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Hospital | San Luis Obispo, CA
Emergency Registered Veterinary Technician. Cerro Alto Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Hospital is a privately owned specialty and emergency practice co... more
2 Days Ago
Founders Veterinary Clinic
Brea, CA
Founders Veterinary Clinic | Brea, CA
Job Description. Job Description. Provides animal care by determining animal requirements. conducting examinations and diagnostic procedures. assisting dur... more
2 Days Ago
Sri Ganesh Inc
Thousand Oaks, CA
Sri Ganesh Inc | Thousand Oaks, CA
Job Description. Job Description. Borchard Veterinary Clinic. Newbury Park, CA. Full-Time. ⚡. Immediate Opening. About Us. At. Borchard Veterinary Clinic. ... more
3 Days Ago
Fullerton Regional Veterinary Hospi
Fullerton, CA
Fullerton Regional Veterinary Hospi | Fullerton, CA
Job Description. Job Description. . You must be able to lift up to 40lbs and be expected to complete and excel in the following duties. Effective communica... more
1 Day Ago
Little Cottonwood Animal Hospital I
Los Alamitos, CA
Little Cottonwood Animal Hospital I | Los Alamitos, CA
Job Description. Job Description. Veterinary Technician – Join Our Close-Knit Team in North Orange County. Starting at $22+/hour (commensurate with experie... more
2 Days Ago
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