VeterinaryUpdated Q1 2026

Zoo Veterinarian Salary
in Oakland, CA

Provide medical care for exotic and wild animals in zoos and wildlife facilities. Median salary in Oakland: $133K/year. Data from BLS, O*NET, and H-1B disclosures.

Median salary
$133K
per year
Take-home: $81K

Salary range in Oakland

Entry level (25th)$98,000
Median (50th)$133,000
Senior (75th)$179,000
Top earner (90th)$237,000

Source: BLS OES 2026, H-1B DOL Disclosures Q1 2026. Figures represent annual base salary in Oakland, California.

Key facts for Oakland

Median salary
$133K
annual
Take-home pay
$81K
after fed/state tax
COL index
185
100 = US avg
State income tax
9.3%
annual
Avg 1BR rent
$2,800
per month
YoY growth
+4%
salary trend

Salary forecast: Oakland Zoo Veterinarian to 2030

Based on BLS 2022–2032 Employment Projections and WEF Future of Jobs Report 2026. At current growth rates, median salary reaches $133K by 2030.

Salary trend & forecast β€” Oakland

Historical (2019–2025) + projected to 2030 based on BLS growth rates

HistoricalProjected
Zoo Veterinarian salary trend 2019–2030PROJECTED β†’$111K$121K$131K$140K$150K201920212023202520272029
2026
$136K
projected
2027
$140K
projected
2028
$143K
projected
2029
$147K
projected
2030
$150K
projected

Projections based on BLS Employment Projections 2022–2032 CAGR and WEF Jobs Report 2025. Not financial advice.

YearProjected median salaryvs today
2027 projected$133,000+$0
2028 projected$133,000+$0
2029 projected$133,000+$0
2030 projected$133,000+$0

Projections use compound annual growth rate (CAGR) from BLS occupational outlook data. Actual salaries may vary.

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Zoo Veterinarian Salary in Oakland, California: Complete Guide (2026)

The median Zoo Veterinarian salary in Oakland, CA is $133,000 per year as of Q1 2026. This figure represents the midpoint of all reported compensation for this role in the Oakland–CA metropolitan area, based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics, H-1B visa disclosures from the Department of Labor, and O*NET occupational data.

Salary range for Zoo Veterinarian in Oakland

Entry-level Zoo Veterinarians in Oakland with 0–2 years of experience typically earn between $98,000 and $133,000 annually. Mid-career professionals with 3–7 years command $133,000 to $179,000, while senior-level practitioners with 8+ years of experience regularly earn $179,000 to $237,000 or more.

Cost of living in Oakland for Zoo Veterinarians

Oakland has a cost of living index of 185 compared to the US national average of 100. Oakland's cost of living is above the US average, so the salary figures above reflect local market rates. California has a 9.3% state income tax rate.

Education requirements for Zoo Veterinarian

DVM + zoo medicine residency; exotic animal experience. 0% of these roles offer some remote flexibility.

Zoo Veterinarian salary in nearby cities

CityMedian salaryCOL index
Oakland (current)$133K185
Los Angeles$128K163
San Diego$124K148
San Jose$138K210
San Francisco$143K224
Fresno$100K102