Veterinarian Salary in Kentucky
Based on 1K+ workers in Kentucky
Median Annual Salary (KY)
$104,100
$50.05/hr
vs National Average
$124,944
-16.7% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$44K – $169K
1K employed in Kentucky
Veterinarians in Kentucky earn a median salary of $104,100 per year, which is approximately 17% below the national average. With around 1,190 veterinarians currently employed throughout the state, Kentucky's veterinary workforce remains relatively modest compared to larger states. Salaries in the field range from $44,200 to $169,220 annually, reflecting significant variation based on individual circumstances.
Several factors influence veterinarian salary in Kentucky, including years of experience, type of practice, and geographic location within the state. Veterinarians working in rural areas or specialized fields may earn differently than those in urban centers. Additionally, practice ownership, educational credentials, and clientele demographics all play roles in determining compensation levels for professionals in this field.
Salary Distribution — Veterinarian in Kentucky
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $44,200 |
| 25th percentile | $73,920 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $104,100 |
| 75th percentile | $136,550 |
| 90th percentile | $169,220 |
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 Kentucky 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 Kentucky vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Kentucky) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $100,430 |
| 2023 | $96,980 |
| 2024 | $98,210 |
| 2025 | $104,100 |
| 2026 (projected) | $110,343 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Kentucky Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $100,430 | $103,756 |
| 2023 | $96,980 | $112,674 |
| 2024 | $98,210 | $118,465 |
| 2025 | $104,100 | $124,944 |
| 2026 (projected) | $110,343 | $132,437 |
Veterinarian Salary by Experience Level in Kentucky
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $73,920 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $104,100 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $136,550 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $169,220 |
Veterinarian Salary in Other States
Related Veterinarian Salaries in Kentucky
How other high-demand occupations in Kentucky compare to Veterinarian ($104,100 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Veterinarian | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cardiologist in KY | $558,180 | +436.2% | $268.36/hr |
| Anesthesiologist in KY | $347,960 | +234.3% | $167.29/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in KY | $317,110 | +204.6% | $152.46/hr |
| Radiologist in KY | $279,990 | +169.0% | $134.61/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in KY | $248,730 | +138.9% | $119.58/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in KY | $241,530 | +132.0% | $116.12/hr |
| Psychiatrist in KY | $237,770 | +128.4% | $114.31/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in KY | $222,520 | +113.8% | $106.98/hr |
| Podiatrist in KY | $201,260 | +93.3% | $96.76/hr |
| Pediatrician in KY | $175,690 | +68.8% | $84.47/hr |
| Emergency Medicine Physician in KY | $169,390 | +62.7% | $81.44/hr |
| Surgeon in KY | $162,160 | +55.8% | $77.96/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do veterinarians make in Kentucky?
- The median salary for veterinarians in Kentucky is $104,100 per year, or approximately $50 per hour. This is about 16.7% below the national average for the profession.
What is the salary range for vets in Kentucky?
- Veterinarian salaries in Kentucky range from $44,200 at the lower end to $169,220 at the higher end, depending on experience, specialization, and employer type.
How many veterinarians are employed in Kentucky?
- There are approximately 1,190 veterinarians currently employed in Kentucky, representing the job market size for this profession in the state.
Is the Kentucky veterinarian salary competitive compared to the national average?
- No, Kentucky's median veterinarian salary of $104,100 is 16.7% lower than the national average, making it a below-average state for this profession in terms of compensation.