Veterinarians Salary by State
The national median pay for veterinarians is $130,100 a year. By state, it ranges from $88,650 in South Dakota to $163,920 in California.
Updated October 2026 · Data: BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
U.S. pay range
- Lowest 10%
- $73,920
- 25th percentile
- $101,460
- Median
- $130,100
- 75th percentile
- $166,120
- Top 10%
- $215,700
Annual pay, all U.S. workers in this job. About 83,900 jobs.
Median pay in 48 states and DC
| # | State | Median | vs. U.S. | Lowest 10% | Top 10% | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | California | $163,920 | +26% | $74,850 | $286,330 | 9,170 |
| 2 | Maryland | $163,170 | +25% | $104,030 | $214,960 | 1,430 |
| 3 | Washington | $160,510 | +23% | $97,140 | $265,600 | 2,390 |
| 4 | New Jersey | $160,140 | +23% | $103,720 | $274,850 | 1,910 |
| 5 | Arizona | $152,020 | +17% | $81,990 | $262,990 | 2,080 |
| 6 | Massachusetts | $140,260 | +8% | $96,320 | $260,010 | 1,920 |
| 7 | District of Columbia | $134,530 | +3% | $69,990 | $294,160 | 190 |
| 8 | Illinois | $133,580 | +3% | $74,840 | $280,380 | 2,330 |
| 9 | Pennsylvania | $133,520 | +3% | $79,780 | $268,870 | 3,490 |
| 10 | Minnesota | $133,110 | +2% | $83,280 | $217,580 | 2,140 |
| 11 | New York | $131,830 | +1% | $89,130 | $251,000 | 3,390 |
| 12 | Vermont | $131,820 | +1% | $91,290 | $213,060 | 280 |
| 13 | Florida | $131,660 | +1% | $62,430 | $209,520 | 5,360 |
| 14 | Texas | $131,330 | +1% | $76,510 | $203,920 | 6,270 |
| 15 | Colorado | $130,840 | +1% | $77,710 | $211,930 | 2,340 |
| 16 | Maine | $130,600 | 0% | $81,780 | $194,680 | 600 |
| 17 | Hawaii | $130,120 | 0% | $62,460 | $188,130 | 370 |
| 18 | New Mexico | $129,390 | −1% | $79,450 | $212,850 | 460 |
| 19 | North Carolina | $129,240 | −1% | $77,650 | $209,340 | 2,940 |
| 20 | West Virginia | $128,990 | −1% | $54,830 | $201,910 | 390 |
| 21 | Oregon | $128,880 | −1% | $78,420 | $205,850 | 1,660 |
| 22 | New Hampshire | $128,190 | −1% | $74,780 | $283,460 | 650 |
| 23 | Virginia | $126,730 | −3% | $63,350 | $220,170 | 2,700 |
| 24 | Georgia | $126,590 | −3% | $66,710 | $167,620 | 2,670 |
| 25 | Rhode Island | $126,570 | −3% | $106,730 | $196,300 | 430 |
| 26 | Connecticut | $126,190 | −3% | $46,960 | $218,720 | 950 |
| 27 | Nevada | $125,550 | −3% | $98,860 | $189,620 | 680 |
| 28 | Michigan | $125,390 | −4% | $75,900 | $192,800 | 2,030 |
| 29 | Ohio | $125,060 | −4% | $54,050 | $207,190 | 3,430 |
| 30 | Iowa | $124,610 | −4% | $72,800 | $168,950 | 1,000 |
| 31 | Indiana | $124,530 | −4% | $63,630 | $173,810 | 1,500 |
| 32 | Louisiana | $124,370 | −4% | $64,690 | $165,560 | 950 |
| 33 | Tennessee | $124,350 | −4% | $98,500 | $167,900 | 1,730 |
| 34 | Utah | $123,990 | −5% | $75,970 | $215,720 | 640 |
| 35 | South Carolina | $122,130 | −6% | $48,140 | $200,860 | 1,380 |
| 36 | Idaho | $116,170 | −11% | $43,290 | $168,840 | 540 |
| 37 | Missouri | $114,660 | −12% | $61,270 | $193,860 | 1,920 |
| 38 | Wisconsin | $108,780 | −16% | $79,350 | $159,940 | 1,830 |
| 39 | Arkansas | $107,710 | −17% | $38,870 | $153,370 | 540 |
| 40 | Kansas | $107,080 | −18% | $71,200 | $177,110 | 1,000 |
| 41 | Alabama | $105,630 | −19% | $65,430 | $172,290 | 1,020 |
| 42 | Mississippi | $105,370 | −19% | $70,050 | $163,040 | 480 |
| 43 | Kentucky | $104,100 | −20% | $44,200 | $169,220 | 1,190 |
| 44 | Nebraska | $103,500 | −20% | $60,630 | $165,660 | 780 |
| 45 | North Dakota | $102,180 | −21% | $81,420 | $153,720 | 270 |
| 46 | Montana | $99,390 | −24% | $51,390 | $183,190 | 510 |
| 47 | Oklahoma | $98,090 | −25% | $51,710 | $208,000 | 1,150 |
| 48 | Wyoming | $97,240 | −25% | $55,420 | $149,070 | 140 |
| 49 | South Dakota | $88,650 | −32% | $61,640 | $128,920 | 280 |
BLS OEWS May 2025 state estimates. States without published data are not listed. “Not published”: BLS withheld the value or it is above the highest amount BLS publishes. Pay is not adjusted for living costs.
Veterinarians salary questions
Which state pays veterinarians the most?
California, with a median of $163,920 a year (+26% vs. the national median of $130,100). BLS May 2025.
Which state pays veterinarians the least?
South Dakota, with a median of $88,650 a year (−32% vs. national).
Where do most veterinarians work?
California has the most jobs, about 9,170, with a median of $163,920.
Does a higher salary mean more money left over?
Not always. These are pay figures only. Living costs, taxes and housing differ a lot between states, and this page does not adjust for them.