Sacramento vs Torrance: Veterinarian Salary (2026)
Compare veterinarian salaries between Sacramento, CA and Torrance, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Sacramento, CA | Torrance, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $174,448▲ | $171,524 |
| Hourly Rate | $83.87▲ | $82.46 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $92,069 | $99,484▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $134,758▲ | $127,988 |
| 75th Percentile | $227,756▲ | $219,551 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $311,001▲ | $265,863 |
| Total Employed | 830▲ | 26 |
Verdict
Sacramento, CA offers better overall compensation for veterinarians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Torrance.
The salary gap between Sacramento and Torrance is $2,924 (1.70%). Sacramento's median is +27.02% 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,Torrance spans $166,379. Sacramento 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, Sacramento ($163,540 effective) pays 7.84% more than Torrance ($151,657 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Sacramento if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($174,448/year)
- ✓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
Choose Torrance if…
- ✓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 -9.5% growth in Torrance over the same period.
Sacramento, CA
$106,420 (2019) → $165,260 (2025)
Torrance, CA
$179,462 (2024) → $162,490 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Sacramento, CA
Torrance, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
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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