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
Related Healthcare Jobs
Veterinarian Salary FAQ
How much does a Veterinarian make in 2026?
The median salary for a Veterinarian in the United States is $106,000 per year in 2026. Entry-level positions start around $80,000, while senior professionals earn up to $133,000. Top earners in the field can make $167,000 or more annually.
What education is needed to become a Veterinarian?
A Veterinarian typically requires a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) with 0-2 years of experience. Key skills include Surgery, Diagnostics, Pharmacology. Relevant certifications such as State Veterinary License or NAVLE can boost earning potential and career advancement.
What is the job outlook for Veterinarians?
The job market for Veterinarians is projected to grow by 19% over the next decade. There are currently approximately 95K Veterinarian positions in the US. Salary growth over the past 5 years has been approximately 13%, reflecting strong demand for this role.
Which states pay Veterinarians the most?
The highest-paying states for Veterinarians include California, New York, Texas. In California, the median salary is approximately $125,000. However, cost of living varies significantly, so adjusted purchasing power should be considered when comparing salaries across states.
How can I increase my Veterinarian salary?
To increase your Veterinarian salary, focus on gaining expertise in high-demand skills like Surgery and Diagnostics. Pursue certifications such as State Veterinary License. Consider relocating to higher-paying markets like Los Angeles. With 0-2 years of experience, you can progress from $80,000 to $133,000 or more.
Methodology & Data Sources — Veterinarian Salary
How we calculate Veterinarian salary data: Our figures combine BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) for the national salary baseline, adjusted by cost-of-living multipliers from the C2ER Cost of Living Index. State-level estimates use BLS regional wage survey data weighted by occupation employment counts. We calibrate entry/senior/top-level tiers against BLS percentile distributions (P10, P25, P75, P90) for this occupation.
- National median salary: $106,000 — sourced from BLS OEWS for SOC code corresponding to Veterinarian in the Healthcare sector.
- Entry-level ($80,000) and senior-level ($133,000) figures reflect BLS P25 and P75 percentile wage estimates adjusted for experience.
- Job outlook: +19% projected growth through 2034, from BLS Employment Projections program. Approximately 95K total positions nationwide.
- 5-year salary growth: 13% over the past 5 years, derived from BLS Employment Cost Index for Healthcare sector wages.
- Education requirement: Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM), per BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook entry for this occupation.
- State-level estimates use BLS regional CPI-U data and OEWS metropolitan area wage surveys, normalized to the national median of $106,000.
Authoritative US data sources for Veterinarian compensation:
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) — national and metro-area salary data
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook — Veterinarian job projections, education, and career outlook
- BLS Employment Projections — 10-year occupation growth and decline data
- BLS Employment Cost Index — quarterly compensation trend data for Healthcare
- BLS Consumer Price Index (CPI-U) — regional inflation for cost-of-living wage adjustments
- IRS Revenue Procedure 2025-32 summary — 2026 federal tax brackets and standard deductions
Disclaimer: Veterinarian salary figures are statistical estimates for general guidance. Actual compensation depends on employer, location, negotiation, specific skills (Surgery, Diagnostics, Pharmacology), certifications, and industry conditions. Always verify with multiple sources including current job listings, recruiter data, and direct employer offers before making career decisions.
Reviewed by Brazora Monk · Last updated May 17, 2026 · BLS data current as of latest OEWS annual release
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