San Diego vs Sacramento: Veterinarian Salary (2026)
Compare veterinarian salaries between San Diego, CA and Sacramento, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | San Diego, CA | Sacramento, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $168,632 | $174,448▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $81.07 | $83.87▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $71,295 | $92,069▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $131,454 | $134,758▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $210,677 | $227,756▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $291,588 | $311,001▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,080▲ | 830 |
Verdict
Sacramento, CA offers better overall compensation for veterinarians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to San Diego.
The salary gap between San Diego and Sacramento is $5,816 (3.45%). 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 San Diego spans $220,293,Sacramento spans $218,932. San Diego 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 8.51% 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 San Diego if…
- ✓Larger job market (1,080 employed)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Sacramento if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($174,448/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($311,001)
- ✓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 San Diego grew 46.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 55.3% growth in Sacramento over the same period.
San Diego, CA
$109,440 (2019) → $159,750 (2025)
Sacramento, CA
$106,420 (2019) → $165,260 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
San Diego, CA
Sacramento, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays veterinarians more: San Diego or Sacramento?
What is the hourly rate difference between San Diego and Sacramento?
Should I relocate from San Diego to Sacramento as a veterinarian?
What do entry-level veterinarians earn in San Diego 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