Veterinarian Salary in California
Based on 9K+ workers in California
Median Annual Salary (CA)
$163,920
$78.81/hr
vs National Average
$124,944
+31.2% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$75K – $286K
9K employed in California
Veterinarians in California earn a median salary of $163,920 per year, significantly outpacing the national average by 31 percent. With approximately 9,170 veterinarians currently employed across the state, California offers competitive compensation that reflects both the high cost of living and strong demand for veterinary services in the region.
Several factors influence veterinarian salary in California, including geographic location within the state, years of experience, and specialization. Urban areas like Los Angeles and San Francisco typically offer higher salaries than rural regions. Additionally, veterinarians working in specialized fields such as surgery or emergency medicine generally earn more than those in general practice, while practice ownership can significantly impact earning potential.
Salary Distribution — Veterinarian in California
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $74,850 |
| 25th percentile | $125,460 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $163,920 |
| 75th percentile | $211,840 |
| 90th percentile | $286,330 |
Top-Paying Industries for Veterinarian (U.S.)
Which industries pay Veterinarians the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Veterinarians in California tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturing | $185,480 | 140 |
| Wholesale Trade | $160,570 | 490 |
| Retail Trade | $150,920 | 640 |
| Administrative and Support Services | $146,960 | — |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $145,940 | 70 |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Veterinarian in California vs National
| Year | Median Salary (California) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $124,530 |
| 2023 | $132,360 |
| 2024 | $158,950 |
| 2025 | $163,920 |
| 2026 (projected) | $169,045 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | California Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $124,530 | $103,756 |
| 2023 | $132,360 | $112,674 |
| 2024 | $158,950 | $118,465 |
| 2025 | $163,920 | $124,944 |
| 2026 (projected) | $169,045 | $128,851 |
Veterinarian Salary by Experience Level in California
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $125,460 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $163,920 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $211,840 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $286,330 |
Veterinarian Salary in Other States
Related Veterinarian Salaries in California
How other high-demand occupations in California compare to Veterinarian ($163,920 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Veterinarian | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Psychiatrist in CA | $353,500 | +115.7% | $169.95/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in CA | $313,890 | +91.5% | $150.91/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in CA | $301,240 | +83.8% | $144.83/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in CA | $292,410 | +78.4% | $140.58/hr |
| Radiologist in CA | $270,560 | +65.1% | $130.08/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in CA | $252,010 | +53.7% | $121.16/hr |
| Pediatrician in CA | $214,140 | +30.6% | $102.95/hr |
| Nurse Midwife in CA | $203,840 | +24.4% | $98.00/hr |
| Podiatrist in CA | $201,300 | +22.8% | $96.78/hr |
| Cardiologist in CA | $185,610 | +13.2% | $89.24/hr |
| Nurse Practitioner in CA | $168,520 | +2.8% | $81.02/hr |
| Dentist in CA | $165,950 | +1.2% | $79.78/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do veterinarians make in California?
- The median salary for veterinarians in California is $163,920 per year, or approximately $79 per hour. This is 31.2% higher than the national average, making California one of the most lucrative states for veterinary professionals.
What is the salary range for vets in California?
- Veterinarian salaries in California range from $74,850 at the lower end to $286,330 at the upper end. This wide range reflects differences in experience, specialization, location within the state, and practice type.
How many veterinarians are employed in California?
- There are approximately 9,170 veterinarians currently employed in California. This represents a substantial workforce in the state's veterinary profession.
Is being a veterinarian more profitable in California than the national average?
- Yes, California veterinarians earn significantly more than the national average, with a median salary that is 31.2% higher. At $163,920 annually, California ranks well above the typical veterinary compensation nationwide.