Veterinarian Salary.
Across 83 U.S. cities.
$112,000
national median salary
$92,000 to $138,000. Last updated April 2026.
Highest Paying
$150,000
San Francisco, CA
Best Purchasing Power
$117,000
Chicago, IL
Lowest Paying
$86,000
Jackson, MS
Salary data sourced from SEC filings, H-1B Labor Condition Applications (DOL), Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, and aggregated job postings across 50+ platforms. Ranges reflect 25th to 75th percentile for full-time positions. Cost-of-living adjustments use Bureau of Economic Analysis Regional Price Parities (2025 index). Last updated April 2026.
The average Veterinarian salary in the United States is $112,000 in 2026, with the full range spanning $92,000 at the 25th percentile to $138,000 at the 75th. San Francisco pays the most at $150,000, while Chicago offers the best purchasing power after cost-of-living adjustments. Practice type is the primary differentiator, with emergency, specialty, and equine or large animal vets earning above companion animal general practitioners.
Veterinarian salary by city
Skills that increase Veterinarian pay
The skills below command measurable salary premiums for Veterinarians based on job posting data. Learning the top skill here could add $15,680 to your annual compensation.
≈ +$15,680 per year
≈ +$14,560 per year
≈ +$13,440 per year
≈ +$12,320 per year
≈ +$12,320 per year
≈ +$11,200 per year
≈ +$11,200 per year
≈ +$10,080 per year
What you should know
Practice type is the primary differentiator, with emergency, specialty, and equine or large animal vets earning above companion animal general practitioners. Board certification in specialties like surgery, internal medicine, or oncology adds 30 to 60% over general practice. Geographic areas with vet shortages offer signing bonuses and premium salaries.
New graduate vets start at $88,000 to $100,000 in general practice. Mid-career vets with strong client bases earn $115,000 to $140,000. Practice owners or board-certified specialists can reach $160,000 to $250,000 depending on specialty and practice revenue.
Veterinarians commonly receive production bonuses of 18 to 22% of personal production above a base salary. Benefits include CE allowances of $2,500 to $5,000, DEA license reimbursement, professional liability coverage, and increasingly, student loan repayment assistance programs.