Veterinarian Salary in Alabama
Based on 1K+ workers in Alabama
Median Annual Salary (AL)
$105,630
$50.78/hr
vs National Average
$124,944
-15.5% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$65K – $172K
1K employed in Alabama
Veterinarian salary in Alabama averages $98,060 per year, according to recent employment data. With approximately 1,150 veterinarians working across the state, this figure represents a steady career path for animal health professionals. However, Alabama's median salary falls about 17% below the national average, reflecting regional economic differences and cost-of-living variations compared to other states.
Several factors influence veterinarian compensation throughout Alabama, including years of experience, practice setting, and geographic location within the state. Urban areas like Birmingham and Montgomery typically offer higher salaries than rural regions, while specialization in surgery or exotic animal care commands premium pay. The type of employer—whether private practice, animal hospital, or government agency—also significantly impacts earning potential and benefits packages available to practitioners.
Salary Distribution — Veterinarian in Alabama
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $65,430 |
| 25th percentile | $95,310 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $105,630 |
| 75th percentile | $136,690 |
| 90th percentile | $172,290 |
Top-Paying Industries for Veterinarian (U.S.)
Which industries pay Veterinarians the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Veterinarians in Alabama tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturing | $185,480 | 140 |
| Wholesale Trade | $160,570 | 490 |
| Retail Trade | $150,920 | 640 |
| Administrative and Support Services | $146,960 | — |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $145,940 | 70 |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Veterinarian in Alabama vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Alabama) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $99,580 |
| 2023 | $100,940 |
| 2024 | $98,060 |
| 2025 | $105,630 |
| 2026 (projected) | $111,968 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Alabama Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $99,580 | $103,756 |
| 2023 | $100,940 | $112,674 |
| 2024 | $98,060 | $118,465 |
| 2025 | $105,630 | $124,944 |
| 2026 (projected) | $111,968 | $132,441 |
Veterinarian Salary by Experience Level in Alabama
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $95,310 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $105,630 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $136,690 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $172,290 |
Veterinarian Salary in Other States
Related Veterinarian Salaries in Alabama
How other high-demand occupations in Alabama compare to Veterinarian ($105,630 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Veterinarian | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cardiologist in AL | $519,480 | +391.8% | $249.75/hr |
| Anesthesiologist in AL | $392,350 | +271.4% | $188.63/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in AL | $311,180 | +194.6% | $149.61/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in AL | $210,380 | +99.2% | $101.14/hr |
| Pediatrician in AL | $209,490 | +98.3% | $100.72/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in AL | $190,300 | +80.2% | $91.49/hr |
| Podiatrist in AL | $161,820 | +53.2% | $77.80/hr |
| Optometrist in AL | $145,090 | +37.4% | $69.75/hr |
| Pharmacist in AL | $134,630 | +27.5% | $64.73/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in AL | $134,550 | +27.4% | $64.69/hr |
| Nurse Practitioner in AL | $105,750 | +0.1% | $50.84/hr |
| Physician Assistant in AL | $104,960 | -0.6% | $50.46/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do veterinarians make in Alabama?
- The median salary for veterinarians in Alabama is $98,060 per year, or approximately $47 per hour. This is 17.2% below the national average for veterinarians.
What is the salary range for vets in Alabama?
- Veterinarian salaries in Alabama range from $59,570 at the lower end to $160,460 at the higher end, depending on experience, specialization, and employer type.
How many veterinarians are employed in Alabama?
- There are approximately 1,150 veterinarians currently employed in Alabama, representing the total workforce in this profession across the state.
Is the veterinarian salary in Alabama lower than the national average?
- Yes, Alabama's median veterinarian salary of $98,060 is 17.2% lower than the national average, making it one of the less competitive markets for this profession.