San Francisco vs Santa Clara: Veterinarian Salary (2026)
Compare veterinarian salaries between San Francisco, CA and Santa Clara, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | San Francisco, CA | Santa Clara, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $219,649▲ | $206,244 |
| Hourly Rate | $105.60▲ | $99.15 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $94,086 | $119,622▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $146,602 | $164,051▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $257,091 | $261,917▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $311,845 | $319,679▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,350▲ | 32 |
Verdict
San Francisco, CA offers better overall compensation for veterinarians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Santa Clara.
The salary gap between San Francisco and Santa Clara is $13,405 (6.50%). San Francisco's median is +59.94% compared to the US national median of $137,334.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in San Francisco spans $217,759,Santa Clara spans $200,057. San Francisco 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, San Francisco ($189,986 effective) pays 4.18% more than Santa Clara ($182,355 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose San Francisco if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($219,649/year)
- ✓Larger job market (1,350 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $189,986)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Santa Clara if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($319,679)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinarian salaries in San Francisco grew 85.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 7.8% growth in Santa Clara over the same period.
San Francisco, CA
$111,950 (2019) → $208,080 (2025)
Santa Clara, CA
$181,187 (2024) → $195,381 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
San Francisco, CA
Santa Clara, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays veterinarians more: San Francisco or Santa Clara?
What is the hourly rate difference between San Francisco and Santa Clara?
Should I relocate from San Francisco to Santa Clara as a veterinarian?
What do entry-level veterinarians earn in San Francisco vs Santa Clara?
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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