Long training, high student debt — but pet-spend boom is lifting compensation fast.
Pay scales steeply with tenure for Veterinarians. National figures, before regional adjustments.
| Experience | Median 2026 | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (0–1 yr) | $94,100 | $69,400 | $125,000 |
| Junior (2–4 yrs) | $117,000 | $86,300 | $155,300 |
| Mid-Level (5–9 yrs) | $134,500 | $99,200 | $178,600 |
| Senior (10–14 yrs) | $161,400 | $119,000 | $214,300 |
| Veteran (15+ yrs) | $182,900 | $134,900 | $242,800 |
Top 10 states by median Veterinarian salary in 2026.
| State | Median | 25th % | 75th % | vs Nat'l |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington DC | $188,300 | $143,100 | $244,800 | +40% |
| California | $174,900 | $132,900 | $227,300 | +30% |
| Washington | $174,900 | $132,900 | $227,300 | +30% |
| New Jersey | $169,500 | $128,800 | $220,300 | +26% |
| Connecticut | $162,800 | $123,700 | $211,600 | +21% |
| Maryland | $161,400 | $122,700 | $209,800 | +20% |
| Massachusetts | $161,400 | $122,700 | $209,800 | +20% |
| New York | $161,400 | $122,700 | $209,800 | +20% |
| Colorado | $157,400 | $119,600 | $204,600 | +17% |
| Hawaii | $153,300 | $116,500 | $199,300 | +14% |
| State | Median | 25th % | 75th % | vs Nat'l |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kentucky | $114,300 | $86,900 | $148,600 | -15% |
| North Dakota | $113,000 | $85,900 | $146,900 | -16% |
| Oklahoma | $113,000 | $85,900 | $146,900 | -16% |
| Wyoming | $113,000 | $85,900 | $146,900 | -16% |
| Alabama | $111,600 | $84,800 | $145,100 | -17% |
| Louisiana | $111,600 | $84,800 | $145,100 | -17% |
| Arkansas | $107,600 | $81,800 | $139,900 | -20% |
| South Dakota | $107,600 | $81,800 | $139,900 | -20% |
| Mississippi | $104,900 | $79,700 | $136,400 | -22% |
| West Virginia | $104,900 | $79,700 | $136,400 | -22% |
Metro-level pay frequently outpaces state averages — major metros concentrate higher wages.
Click any state for detailed breakdown by experience level and percentile.
The median is just a benchmark. Your exact market value also depends on your state, experience, and education. Use the free calculator for a personalized number.
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