Fontana vs Sacramento: Veterinarian Salary (2026)
Compare veterinarian salaries between Fontana, CA and Sacramento, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fontana, CA | Sacramento, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $175,366▲ | $174,448 |
| Hourly Rate | $84.31▲ | $83.87 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $101,712▲ | $92,069 |
| 25th Percentile | $129,498 | $134,758▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $224,468 | $227,756▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $271,817 | $311,001▲ |
| Total Employed | 32 | 830▲ |
Verdict
Fontana and Sacramento are closely matched on overall veterinarian compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Fontana and Sacramento is $918 (0.53%). Fontana's median is +27.69% compared to the US national median of $137,334.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fontana spans $170,105,Sacramento spans $218,932. Sacramento 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, Sacramento ($163,540 effective) pays 5.47% more than Fontana ($155,054 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Fontana if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($175,366/year)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Sacramento if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($311,001)
- ✓Larger job market (830 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $163,540)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinarian salaries in Fontana grew -9.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 55.3% growth in Sacramento over the same period.
Fontana, CA
$183,481 (2024) → $166,129 (2025)
Sacramento, CA
$106,420 (2019) → $165,260 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fontana, CA
Sacramento, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays veterinarians more: Fontana or Sacramento?
What is the hourly rate difference between Fontana and Sacramento?
Should I relocate from Fontana to Sacramento as a veterinarian?
What do entry-level veterinarians earn in Fontana vs Sacramento?
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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