Agriculture & Environment Sacramento, CA Pop. 524,943

Veterinary Technician Salary in Sacramento, California

The median veterinary technician salary in Sacramento, CA is $45,135 per year, which is 18.0% above the national median and 14.5% below the California state average.

City Median
$45,135
vs State Avg
$-7,650
vs National
+$6,885
Cost of Living
118%

Veterinary Technician Pay in Sacramento: What to Expect (2026)

Sacramento offers a median veterinary technician salary of $45,135, which is $7,650 below the California state average of $52,785. Compared to the national median of $38,250, Sacramento pays above average for this role.

However, Sacramento's cost of living index is 118%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $45,135 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $38,250. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Sacramento should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for veterinary technicians in Sacramento spans from $31,860 at the 10th percentile to $64,900 at the 90th percentile — a $33,040 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $34,220, while senior veterinary technicians with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $62,540. As a major metro area with a population of 524,943, Sacramento typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Veterinary Technician Salary in Sacramento by Experience

In Sacramento, an entry-level veterinary technician earns around $34,220, while experienced professionals earn up to $62,540 per year. The local cost of living index is 118% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$34,220
+$5,220 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$46,020
+$7,020 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$62,540
+$9,540 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Sacramento, CA

Percentile Sacramento
10th Percentile $31,860
25th Percentile $37,760
Median (50th) $45,135
75th Percentile $54,280
90th Percentile $64,900

Veterinary Technician Salary in Other California Cities

How to Become a Veterinary Technician in Sacramento

Education

Most veterinary technician positions require a associate's degree. Sacramento and the surrounding California area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Animal CareLab TechniquesRadiologyAnesthesiaMedical RecordsClient Communication

Job Outlook

Nationally, veterinary technician employment is projected to grow 20% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Sacramento may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Veterinary Technician Jobs in Sacramento

Browse open veterinary technician positions in Sacramento, CA:

Frequently Asked Questions: Veterinary Technician Salary in Sacramento

How much does a Veterinary Technician make in Sacramento, CA? ▼
The median veterinary technician salary in Sacramento, California is $45,135 per year, which is 18.0% above the national median of $38,250. Salaries range from $31,860 (10th percentile) to $64,900 (90th percentile).
How much does a Veterinary Technician make per hour in Sacramento? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $45,135, a veterinary technician in Sacramento earns approximately $22 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Sacramento compare to the California state average for veterinary technician pay? ▼
Sacramento's median veterinary technician salary of $45,135 is 14.5% below the California state average of $52,785. The local cost of living index is 118% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Sacramento, CA? ▼
Sacramento has a cost of living index of 118% compared to the national average. This means a veterinary technician salary of $45,135 in Sacramento has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a veterinary technician in Sacramento? ▼
Most veterinary technician positions in Sacramento require a associate's degree. Key skills include Animal Care, Lab Techniques, Radiology, Anesthesia. The job market is projected to grow 20% nationally over the next decade.