Veterinarian Salary in District of Columbia
Based on 190+ workers in District of Columbia
Median Annual Salary (DC)
$134,530
$64.68/hr
vs National Average
$124,944
+7.7% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$70K – $294K
190 employed in District of Columbia
Veterinarians in District of Columbia earn a median salary of $134,530 per year, which is approximately 8% above the national average. With around 190 employed veterinarians in the district, this represents a competitive compensation level for the profession. The salary range spans from $69,990 to $294,160 annually, reflecting significant variation based on individual circumstances.
Several factors influence veterinarian salary in District of Columbia, including years of experience, specialization, and employer type. Urban location and higher cost of living contribute to above-average wages compared to national figures. Employment settings such as private practices, animal hospitals, research facilities, and government agencies also play a role in determining individual compensation levels within the district.
Salary Distribution — Veterinarian in District of Columbia
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $69,990 |
| 25th percentile | $132,520 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $134,530 |
| 75th percentile | $193,860 |
| 90th percentile | $294,160 |
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 District of Columbia 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 District of Columbia vs National
| Year | Median Salary (District of Columbia) |
|---|---|
| 2023 | $130,820 |
| 2024 | $153,200 |
| 2025 | $134,530 |
| 2026 (projected) | $134,530 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | District of Columbia Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $130,820 | $112,674 |
| 2024 | $153,200 | $118,465 |
| 2025 | $134,530 | $124,944 |
| 2026 (projected) | $134,530 | $124,944 |
Veterinarian Salary by Experience Level in District of Columbia
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $132,520 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $134,530 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $193,860 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $294,160 |
Veterinarian Salary in Other States
Related Veterinarian Salaries in District of Columbia
How other high-demand occupations in District of Columbia compare to Veterinarian ($134,530 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Veterinarian | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emergency Medicine Physician in DC | $318,200 | +136.5% | $152.98/hr |
| Podiatrist in DC | $265,740 | +97.5% | $127.76/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in DC | $233,390 | +73.5% | $112.21/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in DC | $223,250 | +65.9% | $107.33/hr |
| Anesthesiologist in DC | $202,570 | +50.6% | $97.39/hr |
| Psychiatrist in DC | $183,080 | +36.1% | $88.02/hr |
| Radiologist in DC | $182,450 | +35.6% | $87.72/hr |
| Medical and Health Services Manager in DC | $155,140 | +15.3% | $74.59/hr |
| Pharmacist in DC | $153,400 | +14.0% | $73.75/hr |
| Dental Hygienist in DC | $137,220 | +2.0% | $65.97/hr |
| Nurse Practitioner in DC | $135,880 | +1.0% | $65.33/hr |
| Physician Assistant in DC | $135,140 | +0.5% | $64.97/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do veterinarians make in Washington DC?
- Veterinarians in District of Columbia earn a median salary of $134,530 per year, or $65 per hour. This is 7.7% higher than the national average for veterinarians, making DC one of the better-paying markets for this profession.
What is the salary range for vets in DC?
- The salary range for veterinarians in District of Columbia spans from $69,990 at the lower end to $294,160 at the upper end. This wide range reflects differences in experience, specialization, and practice type among the 190 employed veterinarians in the area.
Is DC a good place for veterinarians to work based on pay?
- Yes, DC is a competitive market for veterinarians with a median salary of $134,530 that exceeds the national average by 7.7%. The top earners in DC can make up to $294,160 annually, indicating strong earning potential in the region.
How many veterinarians work in District of Columbia?
- There are approximately 190 veterinarians currently employed in District of Columbia. This represents a concentrated job market where the median salary of $134,530 reflects demand for veterinary services in the area.