Veterinarian Salary in 2026
Veterinarians diagnose and treat diseases and injuries in animals, performing surgery, prescribing medicine, and advising pet owners. They work in clinics, hospitals, and research facilities.
Median Salary
$106,000
$8,833/mo
Entry Level
$80,000
starting pay
Senior Level
$133,000
experienced
Job Growth
+19%
10-yr outlook
Veterinarian Overview
Veterinarians diagnose and treat diseases and injuries in animals, performing surgery, prescribing medicine, and advising pet owners. They work in clinics, hospitals, and research facilities.
Education
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM)
Experience
0-2 years
Industry
Healthcare
Total Jobs (US)
95K
5-Year Growth
+13%
Category
Healthcare
Hourly Rate
$50.96/hr
Monthly Pay
$8,833
Veterinarian Salary Calculator
Adjust your state and experience level to see the estimated Veterinarian salary in your area.
Mid Career (5-9 yrs)
Estimated Veterinarian Salary
$115,000
$9,583/month · $4,423/biweekly · $55.29/hr
Veterinarian Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the Veterinarian field.
Entry-level Veterinarians earn around $80,000, while the top 10% earn $150,000 or more.
Top Paying States for Veterinarians
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $125,000 | +$19,000 |
| New York | $122,000 | +$16,000 |
| Pennsylvania | $106,000 | $0 |
| Texas | $104,000 | $-2,000 |
| Florida | $104,000 | $-2,000 |
Top Paying Cities for Veterinarians
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| New York | $125,000 | +$19,000 |
| Los Angeles | $119,000 | +$13,000 |
| Miami | $108,000 | +$2,000 |
| Philadelphia | $108,000 | +$2,000 |
| Houston | $105,000 | $-1,000 |
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
Veterinarian Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a Veterinarian from entry level to expert.
$80,000
0-2 years
$107,000
3-7 years
$133,000
8-14 years
$167,000
15+ years
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Veterinarian Salary FAQ
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