Veterinarian Salary in Louisiana
Based on 950+ workers in Louisiana
Median Annual Salary (LA)
$124,370
$59.79/hr
vs National Average
$124,944
-0.5% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$65K – $166K
950 employed in Louisiana
Veterinarian salary in Louisiana averages $124,370 annually, aligning with the national median for the profession. The state currently employs approximately 950 veterinarians across various practice settings. Salaries in Louisiana range from $64,690 to $165,560, reflecting differences in experience levels, specializations, and employment sectors within the veterinary field.
Several factors influence veterinarian compensation in Louisiana, including geographic location within the state, type of practice ownership, years of experience, and specialty certifications. Employment setting significantly impacts earnings, with rural practices, emergency clinics, and specialized surgical services typically offering higher salaries. Additionally, clinic clientele demographics and local demand for veterinary services play important roles in determining individual earning potential.
Salary Distribution — Veterinarian in Louisiana
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $64,690 |
| 25th percentile | $78,660 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $124,370 |
| 75th percentile | $141,140 |
| 90th percentile | $165,560 |
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 Louisiana 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 Louisiana vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Louisiana) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $98,570 |
| 2023 | $104,090 |
| 2024 | $120,630 |
| 2025 | $124,370 |
| 2026 (projected) | $128,226 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Louisiana Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $98,570 | $103,756 |
| 2023 | $104,090 | $112,674 |
| 2024 | $120,630 | $118,465 |
| 2025 | $124,370 | $124,944 |
| 2026 (projected) | $128,226 | $128,818 |
Veterinarian Salary by Experience Level in Louisiana
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $78,660 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $124,370 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $141,140 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $165,560 |
Veterinarian Salary in Other States
Related Veterinarian Salaries in Louisiana
How other high-demand occupations in Louisiana compare to Veterinarian ($124,370 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Veterinarian | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pediatrician in LA | $502,720 | +304.2% | $241.69/hr |
| Anesthesiologist in LA | $410,500 | +230.1% | $197.36/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in LA | $404,550 | +225.3% | $194.50/hr |
| Psychiatrist in LA | $345,040 | +177.4% | $165.88/hr |
| Surgeon in LA | $304,830 | +145.1% | $146.55/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in LA | $255,330 | +105.3% | $122.75/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in LA | $222,130 | +78.6% | $106.79/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in LA | $210,390 | +69.2% | $101.15/hr |
| Podiatrist in LA | $197,480 | +58.8% | $94.94/hr |
| Dentist in LA | $170,750 | +37.3% | $82.09/hr |
| Pharmacist in LA | $132,410 | +6.5% | $63.66/hr |
| Physician Assistant in LA | $128,870 | +3.6% | $61.96/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do veterinarians make in Louisiana?
- The median salary for veterinarians in Louisiana is $124,370 per year, or $60 per hour. This is slightly below the national average by 0.5%, but still represents a solid income for the profession in the state.
What is the salary range for vets in Louisiana?
- Veterinarian salaries in Louisiana range from $64,690 at the lower end to $165,560 at the upper end. This wide range reflects differences in experience, specialization, and practice type across the state.
Is veterinarian salary in Louisiana competitive compared to the national average?
- Louisiana veterinarian salaries are nearly competitive with the national average, sitting just 0.5% below it at $124,370 median annually. This makes Louisiana a reasonably attractive location for veterinary professionals.
How many veterinarians are employed in Louisiana?
- There are approximately 950 veterinarians employed in Louisiana, providing insight into the size of the veterinary job market in the state.