Sacramento vs San Jose: Veterinarian Salary (2026)
Compare veterinarian salaries between Sacramento, CA and San Jose, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Sacramento, CA | San Jose, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $174,448 | $202,844▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $83.87 | $97.52▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $92,069▲ | $88,005 |
| 25th Percentile | $134,758 | $139,255▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $227,756 | $239,737▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $311,001 | $341,233▲ |
| Total Employed | 830▲ | 350 |
Verdict
San Jose, CA offers better overall compensation for veterinarians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Sacramento.
The salary gap between Sacramento and San Jose is $28,396 (16.28%). San Jose's median is +47.70% compared to the US national median of $137,334.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Sacramento spans $218,932,San Jose spans $253,228. San Jose 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, San Jose ($183,697 effective) pays 12.33% more than Sacramento ($163,540 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Sacramento if…
- ✓Larger job market (830 employed)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose San Jose if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($202,844/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($341,233)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $183,697)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinarian salaries in Sacramento grew 55.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 84.8% growth in San Jose over the same period.
Sacramento, CA
$106,420 (2019) → $165,260 (2025)
San Jose, CA
$103,980 (2019) → $192,160 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Sacramento, CA
San Jose, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays veterinarians more: Sacramento or San Jose?
What is the hourly rate difference between Sacramento and San Jose?
Should I relocate from Sacramento to San Jose as a veterinarian?
What do entry-level veterinarians earn in Sacramento vs San Jose?
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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