Veterinarians in California
2026 Salary & Job Market Data
Quick Snapshot
| Metric | California | National | Insight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $158,950 | $125,510 | +26.6% vs US |
| State Rank | #1 of 49 states | Top 10 state | |
| Employment | 8,510 jobs | 80,630 jobs | 10.6% of US jobs |
| Job Concentration (LQ) | — | 1.00 | Average |
Full Salary Distribution in California
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $79,710 | $38.32 |
| 25th Percentile | $122,650 | $58.97 |
| Median | $158,950 | $76.42 |
| 75th Percentile | $207,240 | $99.63 |
| 90th Percentile | — | — |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the job outlook for Veterinarians in California in 2026?
With a median salary of $158,950 in California and a 2014–2024 salary trend of +54.8%, veterinarians are still in strong and growing demand.
How can veterinarians increase their salary in California?
Veterinarians in California can increase earnings by targeting higher-paying industries which tend to offer compensation well above the state median. Additionally, relocating to a higher-paying state could offer a significant income boost: California currently ranks #1 out of 49 states for this occupation. Pursuing advanced credentials, specializations, or roles with greater responsibility are proven ways to move toward the 75th or 90th percentile of earners.
Which industries pay the most for Veterinarians in California?
State-level industry data is limited for this occupation. Nationally, the top-paying industries are:
| Industry | Annual Median |
|---|---|
| Food Manufacturing | $190,520 |
| Food Manufacturing | $190,520 |
| Merchant Wholesalers, Nondurable Goods (4242 and 4246 only) | $181,010 |
How are Veterinarians paid in California compared to the national average?
The median salary for Veterinarians in California is $158,950, which is 26.6% above the national median of $125,510.