Veterinarian Salary in North Carolina
Based on 3K+ workers in North Carolina
Median Annual Salary (NC)
$129,240
$62.13/hr
vs National Average
$124,944
+3.4% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$78K – $209K
3K employed in North Carolina
The Veterinarian salary in North Carolina offers a compelling earning potential, with a median annual income of $129,240. This figure represents a strong market for veterinary professionals in the Tar Heel State, positioning it favorably at 3% above the national average. Currently, around 2,940 veterinarians are employed across North Carolina, indicating a robust and active field.
Several factors influence a Veterinarian salary in North Carolina, including years of experience, specialization within veterinary medicine, and the specific geographic location within the state. Smaller towns or rural areas might offer different compensation compared to larger metropolitan centers. The type of practice, whether it's a private clinic, animal hospital, or a research facility, also plays a significant role in determining overall earnings.
Salary Distribution — Veterinarian in North Carolina
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $77,650 |
| 25th percentile | $98,240 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $129,240 |
| 75th percentile | $165,430 |
| 90th percentile | $209,340 |
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 North Carolina 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 North Carolina vs National
| Year | Median Salary (North Carolina) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $101,980 |
| 2023 | $124,290 |
| 2024 | $123,430 |
| 2025 | $129,240 |
| 2026 (projected) | $135,323 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | North Carolina Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $101,980 | $103,756 |
| 2023 | $124,290 | $112,674 |
| 2024 | $123,430 | $118,465 |
| 2025 | $129,240 | $124,944 |
| 2026 (projected) | $135,323 | $130,825 |
Veterinarian Salary by Experience Level in North Carolina
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $98,240 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $129,240 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $165,430 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $209,340 |
Veterinarian Salary in Other States
Related Veterinarian Salaries in North Carolina
How other high-demand occupations in North Carolina compare to Veterinarian ($129,240 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Veterinarian | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Surgeon in NC | $398,410 | +208.3% | $191.54/hr |
| Emergency Medicine Physician in NC | $339,350 | +162.6% | $163.15/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in NC | $289,780 | +124.2% | $139.32/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in NC | $224,610 | +73.8% | $107.99/hr |
| Podiatrist in NC | $215,420 | +66.7% | $103.57/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in NC | $215,230 | +66.5% | $103.48/hr |
| Dentist in NC | $207,000 | +60.2% | $99.52/hr |
| Pediatrician in NC | $183,550 | +42.0% | $88.25/hr |
| Psychiatrist in NC | $168,880 | +30.7% | $81.19/hr |
| Optometrist in NC | $161,560 | +25.0% | $77.67/hr |
| Pharmacist in NC | $138,860 | +7.4% | $66.76/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in NC | $134,540 | +4.1% | $64.68/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a veterinarian make in North Carolina?
- The median salary for a veterinarian in North Carolina is $129,240 per year, which equates to approximately $62 per hour. The salary range for these professionals typically falls between $77,650 and $209,340 annually.
What is the salary range for veterinarians in North Carolina?
- Veterinarians in North Carolina can expect to earn a salary between $77,650 and $209,340 per year. The median annual income for this profession in the state is $129,240.
How does a veterinarian's salary in North Carolina compare to the national average?
- Veterinarians in North Carolina earn on average 3.4% more than the national average. This means a veterinarian in North Carolina might earn more than the typical national salary of around $125,000.
How many veterinarians are employed in North Carolina?
- There are approximately 2,940 veterinarians employed in North Carolina. The median salary for these professionals is $129,240 per year, with a typical range from $77,650 to $209,340.