Oxnard vs San Diego: Veterinarian Salary (2026)
Compare veterinarian salaries between Oxnard, CA and San Diego, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Oxnard, CA | San Diego, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $167,640 | $168,632▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $80.60 | $81.07▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $67,126 | $71,295▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $113,857 | $131,454▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $224,452▲ | $210,677 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $295,631▲ | $291,588 |
| Total Employed | 290 | 1,080▲ |
Verdict
San Diego, CA offers better overall compensation for veterinarians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Oxnard.
The salary gap between Oxnard and San Diego is $992 (0.59%). San Diego's median is +22.79% compared to the US national median of $137,334.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Oxnard spans $228,505,San Diego spans $220,293. Oxnard has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Oxnard ($151,664 effective) pays 0.63% more than San Diego ($150,716 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Oxnard if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($295,631)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $151,664)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose San Diego if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($168,632/year)
- ✓Larger job market (1,080 employed)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinarian salaries in Oxnard grew 58.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 46.0% growth in San Diego over the same period.
Oxnard, CA
$100,150 (2019) → $158,810 (2025)
San Diego, CA
$109,440 (2019) → $159,750 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Oxnard, CA
San Diego, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays veterinarians more: Oxnard or San Diego?
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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