Daly City vs Los Angeles: Veterinarian Salary (2026)
Compare veterinarian salaries between Daly City, CA and Los Angeles, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Daly City, CA | Los Angeles, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $173,077▲ | $168,980 |
| Hourly Rate | $83.21▲ | $81.24 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $100,384▲ | $71,158 |
| 25th Percentile | $131,022▲ | $128,350 |
| 75th Percentile | $219,680 | $223,882▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $268,270 | $299,843▲ |
| Total Employed | 20 | 2,740▲ |
Verdict
Daly City and Los Angeles are closely matched on overall veterinarian compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Daly City and Los Angeles is $4,097 (2.42%). Daly City's median is +26.03% compared to the US national median of $137,334.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Daly City spans $167,886,Los Angeles spans $228,685. Los Angeles has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced veterinarians.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Daly City ($153,030 effective) pays 2.85% more than Los Angeles ($148,795 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Daly City if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($173,077/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $153,030)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Los Angeles if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($299,843)
- ✓Larger job market (2,740 employed)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinarian salaries in Daly City grew -9.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 54.1% growth in Los Angeles over the same period.
Daly City, CA
$181,087 (2024) → $163,961 (2025)
Los Angeles, CA
$103,870 (2019) → $160,080 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Daly City, CA
Los Angeles, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays veterinarians more: Daly City or Los Angeles?
What is the hourly rate difference between Daly City and Los Angeles?
Should I relocate from Daly City to Los Angeles as a veterinarian?
What do entry-level veterinarians earn in Daly City vs Los Angeles?
Related Comparisons
Written by Dr. Alice Nguyen, DVM
Career Analyst
Dr. Alice Nguyen has 10 years of experience in veterinary medicine. She specializes in small animal surgery. She currently works at a suburban veterinary clinic.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.56% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Dr. Alice Nguyen, DVM, a licensed veterinarian with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov