Veterinarian jobs in California — DVM, associate, ER and specialty roles
Supreme Search Specialists places veterinarians in practices across jobs in California — from independent first-opinion clinics along the Central Coast to multi-site corporate hospitals in Los Angeles and the San Francisco Bay Area, 24/7 emergency centers, and board-certified specialty referral facilities. We've been recruiting for US veterinary practices since 2020 and our consultants know the California market in depth.
Whether you're a new graduate looking for your first associate role, an experienced DVM exploring relocation to California, or a board-certified specialist considering a move, our team can help you find a practice that fits your clinical interests, schedule, and salary expectations.
Veterinarian roles we recruit for in California
Associate Veterinarian (DVM) Small animal, mixed, equine, and large animal roles.
Emergency Veterinarian (ER Doctor) 24/7 hospitals across major California metro areas.
Urgent Care Veterinarian High-demand urgent care opportunities statewide.
Medical Director & Chief of Staff Leadership-focused veterinary positions.
Board-Certified Specialists Internal Medicine, Surgery, Oncology, Dermatology, Ophthalmology, Cardiology, Radiology, Neurology, and more.
Relief Veterinarian (Locum DVM) Flexible locum and contract veterinary assignments.
Equine & Large Animal Veterinarian Central Valley and Central Coast equine and mixed-practice opportunities.
Licensed Veterinary Technician (RVT) Registered veterinary technician opportunities across California.
Veterinary jobs across California
We have active veterinarian openings throughout the state, including:
Greater Los Angeles Los Angeles, Long Beach, Pasadena, Glendale, Santa Monica, Burbank
San Francisco Bay Area San Francisco, Oakland, San Jose, Berkeley, Silicon Valley, Fremont
San Diego County San Diego, Chula Vista, Carlsbad, Encinitas, Escondido
Orange County & Inland Empire Irvine, Anaheim, Santa Ana, Riverside, San Bernardino, Ontario
Sacramento & Central Valley Sacramento, Roseville, Fresno, Bakersfield, Modesto, Stockton
Don't see a role in your city? Register your CV anyway — we receive new jobs in California every week and many never reach the public site.
California veterinarian salary ranges
Compensation in California varies by city, role type, and experience. Based on offers we negotiate for our candidates, current ranges are:
Associate Veterinarian (General Practice) $130,000–$185,000 base salary plus production bonus (typically 20–24% ProSal).
Emergency Veterinarian $160,000–$285,000 depending on shift structure and hospital type.
Board-Certified Specialist $190,000–$350,000 based on specialty and case volume.
Medical Director $200,000–$275,000 plus bonuses or equity opportunities.
Equine Veterinarian $95,000–$170,000 plus production incentives.
Relief / Locum DVM $100–$185 per hour depending on location and schedule.
Sign-on bonuses of $25,000–$70,000 and relocation packages are common in California, particularly for ER doctors and practices in high-cost coastal metros.
Why veterinarians choose California
The largest veterinary market in the US — more practices, hospitals, and specialty centers than any other state.
Among the highest veterinary salaries nationwide, reflecting strong demand and case volume.
Home to UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, consistently ranked the world's leading veterinary school.
Exceptional caseload diversity — from advanced referral medicine in the metros to equine and food-animal work in the Central Valley.
Practice variety — independent clinics, corporate groups, emergency hospitals, and specialty referral centers.
Year-round outdoor lifestyle, from the coast to the mountains, with a strong professional and CE network.
California licensing for veterinarians
To practice in California, veterinarians must be licensed by the California Veterinary Medical Board (VMB), part of the Department of Consumer Affairs. The standard route includes:
Graduate from an AVMA-accredited DVM/VMD program or complete ECFVG/PAVE certification.
Pass the NAVLE within five attempts.
Pass the California Veterinary Law Exam (CVLE).
Submit fingerprints for a background check.
Renew every two years with continuing education requirements.
If you're licensed in another state and considering relocation, our consultants can guide you through the application process and timing requirements.
How we work
For candidates: send your CV through our website or call our team. Your conversation is confidential — we won't put you forward for any role without your sign-off. We'll only present opportunities that match your clinical interests, schedule, salary expectations, and preferred location.
For practices and hospitals: tell us about the role, your team, and the type of veterinarian who will thrive in your environment. We handle sourcing, screening, and shortlisting so you only meet qualified candidates worth your time.
Contact Matt
Looking for your next veterinary opportunity in California or need help hiring top veterinary talent? Get in touch today.
Frequently asked questions
How do I apply for a veterinarian job in California?
Click "Apply Now" on any of the California jobs listed above, send your CV through our contact page, or call our US team on (213) 258-1399. We'll arrange a confidential call to understand what you're looking for.
Do you charge candidates anything?
No. Our service is free for candidates. We're paid by the practices and hospitals that hire through us.
What's the average veterinarian salary in California?
Based on offers in 2026, associate veterinarians in California typically earn $140,000–$200,000 base plus production bonus. Emergency veterinarians earn $175,000–$300,000. Board-certified specialists earn $200,000–$400,000. The Bay Area and coastal Los Angeles tend to be 10–20% above other California markets to reflect the cost of living.
Do I need a California veterinary license to apply?
You need to either hold a California license or be willing to obtain one before starting. The California Veterinary Medical Board requires the NAVLE plus the California State Board Examination. If you're licensed in another state, we can advise on the licensure-by-credentials timeline (typically 8–14 weeks).
Do you place new graduate veterinarians?
Yes. We work with practices that offer structured mentorship programs, 30-minute appointments, and graduated case complexity for new graduates. Tell us you're a new grad when you call and we'll only put you forward for mentorship-strong roles.
Can you help with relocation to California?
Yes. Many of our California practice clients offer relocation packages of $5,000–$25,000 and sign-on bonuses up to $75,000. We factor this into your offer negotiation and can connect you with practices that consistently support out-of-state and international moves.
Do you place emergency, specialty, and ER veterinarians?
Yes. Greater LA, the Bay Area, and San Diego all have major 24/7 specialty hospitals and we work with several of them. We place criticalists, internists, oncologists, dermatologists, ophthalmologists, surgeons, and ER doctors regularly.
What about California's high cost of living?
It's real — particularly in San Francisco, coastal LA, and parts of San Diego. We help candidates evaluate offers in true take-home terms (state income tax, housing, commute) so you compare cities like-for-like. Many candidates find that secondary markets like Sacramento, the Central Valley, and the Central Coast offer a strong balance of salary and quality of life.
How quickly can you place me?
For licensed California DVMs ready to move, we typically have suitable interviews lined up within a couple of days. For relocations, plan on 6–12 weeks from first call to start date — most of that is licensing and notice periods.