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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Vet in California is $46,724 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $22.
However, a Vet's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Vet Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $52,727 | $4,394 | $1,014 | $25 |
| Average | $46,724 | $3,894 | $899 | $22 |
| 25th Percentile | $41,514 | $3,460 | $798 | $20 |
Bsf Vet Inc - San Francisco, CA
Vet Care Vaccination Services Inc - Garden Grove, CA
San Diego Humane Society - Oceanside, CA
VCA Animal Hospitals - Antioch, CA
A Vet'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 Vet'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 Vet | $44,328 |
| Intermediate Level Vet | $44,563 |
| Senior Level Vet | $46,283 |
| Specialist Level Vet | $48,225 |
| Expert Level Vet | $48,489 |
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 Vets. 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 Vet roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 20% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Hospitality & Leisure, offers compensation 10% above the average. Conversely, Vet positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Vet as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hospitality & Leisure | $51,396 | $25.0 | 10% |
Understanding how a Vet'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 | $52,727 | $4,394 | $1,014 | $25 |
| Average | $46,724 | $3,894 | $899 | $22 |
| 25th Percentile | $41,514 | $3,460 | $798 | $20 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Vet job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA
San Mateo, CA
Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA | San Mateo, CA
Registered Veterinary Technician. FLSA Status: Non-Exempt. Part Time (24-30 hours per week) (Will consider Full Time). Salary: $25.00-$35.00/hour (DOE). pl... more
7 Days Ago
Rohnert Park Veterinary Clinic
Rohnert Park, CA
Rohnert Park Veterinary Clinic | Rohnert Park, CA
Registered Veterinary Technician. Rohnert Park Veterinary Clinic is urgently hiring a Registered Veterinary Technician. Standard Expectations. Uphold ethic... more
7 Days Ago
Peninsula Humane Society
San Mateo, CA
Peninsula Humane Society | San Mateo, CA
Job Description. Job Description. Job Title. Registered Veterinary Technician. FLSA Status. Non-Exempt. Part Time (. 24-30 hours per week). (Will consider ... more
9 Days Ago
VCA Animal Hospitals
South Pasadena, CA
VCA Animal Hospitals | South Pasadena, CA
Credentialed Vet Tech Manager. Company Info: VCA Inc. owns, operates, and manages the largest network of freestanding veterinary hospitals and veterinary c... more
9 Days Ago
Alum Rock Animal Hospital
San Jose, CA
Alum Rock Animal Hospital | San Jose, CA
Alum Rock Animal Hospital is a small animal hospital in San Jose.We offer warm and friendly atmosphere where our main goal is to provide compassionate care... more
9 Days Ago
Trusted Vet
Torrance, CA
Trusted Vet | Torrance, CA
Medical Director At An Aaha Accredited Private Owned Hospital In Torrance. $225,000 - $275,000 Salary + Production + Sign On Bonus. Lead with Heart and Cli... more
6 Days Ago
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