Salary distribution
Where San Diego veterinary technologists and technicians fall on the wage curve.
Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)
The middle 50% of workers earn between $47,580 and $61,730, with a median of $52,090.
Typical entry
Education
Associate's degree
Experience
None
On-the-job training
None
Top skills (O*NET)
- 4.1 / 5
Medicine and Dentistry
Knowledge
- 4.1 / 5
Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge
- 4.0 / 5
Biology
Knowledge
- 4.0 / 5
English Language
Knowledge
- 3.9 / 5
Inductive Reasoning
Ability
- 3.9 / 5
Deductive Reasoning
Ability
- 3.9 / 5
Oral Expression
Ability
- 3.9 / 5
Near Vision
Ability
Common tasks (O*NET)
- 01
Administer anesthesia to animals, under the direction of a veterinarian, and monitor animals' responses to anesthetics so that dosages can be adjusted.
- 02
Care for and monitor the condition of animals recovering from surgery.
- 03
Maintain controlled drug inventory and related log books.
- 04
Perform laboratory tests on blood, urine, or feces, such as urinalyses or blood counts, to assist in the diagnosis and treatment of animal health problems.
- 05
Prepare and administer medications, vaccines, serums, or treatments, as prescribed by veterinarians.
- 06
Restrain animals during exams or procedures.
- 07
Administer emergency first aid, such as performing emergency resuscitation or other life saving procedures.
- 08
Clean and sterilize instruments, equipment, or materials.
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Explore coursesOther metros in California
How the San Diego metro compares to other major California metro areas for veterinary technologists and technicians.
- San Francisco$66,300
- San Jose$60,180
- Sacramento$58,120
- Los Angeles$49,790
- Riverside$48,680
Frequently asked questions
- What is the median salary for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in San Diego, California?
- According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in the San Diego metropolitan area is $52,090.
- Does San Diego pay more than the California state average for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians?
- The San Diego metro median is -5.4% versus the California state median of $55,080.
- How does San Diego compare to the national median for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians?
- The San Diego metro median is +16.1% versus the BLS national figure of $44,872.
- What is the salary range for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in San Diego?
- BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $44,760 and the 90th-percentile at $68,380 for the San Diego metro area.
- What education is required for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians?
- BLS lists the typical entry-level education as Associate's degree. Many employers also weigh prior experience and credentials.
Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. BLS metro estimates reflect the San Diego CBSA boundary for the reference year shown and may not match individual offers, employer-specific ranges, or current market conditions. Confirm with a licensed professional before making career or compensation decisions.