Average Veterinarian Salary: $119,719 (2026)

The average veterinarian salary across all U.S. metropolitan areas is $119,719 per year as of 2026. This is based on official Bureau of Labor Statistics data covering 50 metro areas. Salaries range from $97,984 in El Paso, TX to $164,934 in San Jose, CA.

The average hourly rate for veterinarians is $57.56 per hour, based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. Hourly rates vary by location, ranging from $47.11/hour in lower-paying areas to $79.30/hour in top-paying cities like San Jose.

San Jose, CA is the highest paying metro area for veterinarians, with a median salary of $164,934 per year. This is 38% above the national average of $119,719. Other high-paying areas typically include major tech hubs and cities with high costs of living.

Entry-level veterinarians (10th percentile) typically earn around $78,127 per year nationally. Starting salaries depend on education, certifications, location, and industry. Most entry-level professionals can expect to reach the median salary of $119,719 within 3-5 years of career growth.

The average veterinarian salary of $119,719 is 102% higher than the typical U.S. worker salary of approximately $59,228. Top earners in this profession (90th percentile) can make $174,166 or more annually.

El Paso, TX has the lowest veterinarian salary at $97,984 per year. However, lower salaries often correlate with lower costs of living, which can result in similar purchasing power. The salary difference between the highest and lowest paying areas is $66,950.

There are approximately 4,380 veterinarians employed across the 50 metropolitan areas tracked by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This represents a specialized job market with opportunities in healthcare industries nationwide.

The biggest factors affecting veterinarian salary include: geographic location (salaries vary by up to $66,950 across cities), years of experience, industry sector, Specialty board certification — specialists (surgeons, internists, cardiologists) earn $150,000–$250,000+, Practice ownership vs. associate — practice owners typically earn 30–60% more once established. Metropolitan areas with high industry demand and cost of living typically pay more.

In-demand skills that boost veterinarian salaries include: Clinical diagnosis and evidence-based treatment planning across multiple species, Surgical technique for soft tissue, orthopedic, and emergency procedures, Anesthesia management and patient monitoring during procedures, Client communication — explaining diagnoses and treatment options with empathy and clarity, Radiograph and ultrasound interpretation. Specialty board certification — specialists (surgeons, internists, cardiologists) earn $150,000–$250,000+ Developing specialized expertise can help you reach the top 25% of earners ($148,041).

Veterinarian salaries have generally kept pace with inflation, with the current average of $119,719 reflecting 2026 Bureau of Labor Statistics data. The job outlook is positive, which typically supports continued salary growth. Professionals who develop in-demand skills and pursue certifications tend to see above-average salary increases.