Veterinarian Salary in San Mateo, CA: $170,420 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinarian in San Mateo, CA earns a median $170,420/year (≈ $81.94/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1131). Once you factor in San Mateo's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $150,681 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.1% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In San Mateo, California, veterinarians are expected to earn a median annual salary of $170,420 in 2026, significantly surpassing the national median of $137,334. The local salary range reflects a broad spectrum of compensation, with earnings potentially reaching as high as $264,151 at the 90th percentile, while the lower 10th percentile sees salaries begin at $98,844. These figures, derived from state-level BLS data along with regional price adjustments, illustrate the financial potential within this profession specifically for veterinary specialists, especially those with board certifications in surgery, internal medicine, or emergency and critical care. The vibrant job market in San Mateo reveals solid opportunities for veterinarians, particularly amidst the ongoing trends of corporate consolidation and rising demand for specialized care.
About the San Mateo Market
Salary estimated from California average ($156,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $98,844 | $47.52 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $135,977 | $65.37 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $170,420 | $81.94 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $216,985 | $104.32 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $264,151 | $127.00 |
Median Salary Position
24.09% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in San Mateo
In San Mateo, CA, the veterinarian salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $165,307 (2026 est.). At $170,420, the local median is 24.09% above the national median of $137,334.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in San Mateo: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How San Mateo Veterinarian Pay Compares
San Mateo median: $170,420/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | San Mateo Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $168,566 | +1.10% more |
| National Average | $137,334 | +24.09% more |
Veterinarians in San Mateo, CA earn a median of $170,420 per year (2026 est.), which is 24.09% higher than the national median of $137,334 and 1.10% above the California state average of $168,566.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
San Mateo has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
San Mateo, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $170,420 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $150,681 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$118,458
2025 BLS Actual
$161,444
2026 Current Est.
$170,420
2019–2027 Growth
+51.9%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinarians in San Mateo (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.56% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $118,458 | Actual |
| 2020 | $123,162 | Actual |
| 2021 | $124,551 | Actual |
| 2022 | $128,138 | Actual |
| 2023 | $147,794 | Actual |
| 2024 | $178,307 | Actual |
| 2025 | $161,444 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $170,420 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $179,896 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the San Mateo metropolitan area, the median veterinarian salary grew 36.3% from $118,458 (2019) to $161,444 (2025). At a 5.56% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $179,896 by 2027 — a total increase of $61,438 (51.86%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the San Mateo metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 5.56% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $98,844 – $135,977 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $135,977 – $170,420 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $170,420 – $216,985 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $216,985 – $264,151 |
DVM salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual veterinarian compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Veterinarian Job Market in San Mateo
Looking more closely at the local job market, San Mateo currently employs 21 veterinarians, a small but significant figure in an area with a cost-of-living index of 113.1, indicating that expenses may impact take-home pay for these professionals. Among various employers, corporate practices like VCA and BluePearl dominate the sector, though independent clinics also remain viable. The considerable salary spread, which includes factors such as specialty certifications, production-based compensation, and ownership opportunities, also plays into the pay structure. Currently, potential sign-on bonuses for newly graduated veterinarians in areas experiencing shortages can reach between $50,000 and $150,000. Maximizing compensation in San Mateo may involve pursuing specialized training, understanding the nuances of the local market, and carefully considering employment offers from corporate versus independent practices.
More salary data for San Mateo, 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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $161,444 for veterinariansin the San Mateo metropolitan area. A 5.56% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for San Mateo is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.56%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for veterinarians (SOC 29-1131).
Compiled and verified by Dr. Alice Nguyen, DVM, a licensed veterinarian with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov