Veterinarian Salary in Virginia
Based on 3K+ workers in Virginia
Median Annual Salary (VA)
$126,730
$60.93/hr
vs National Average
$124,944
+1.4% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$63K – $220K
3K employed in Virginia
The Veterinarian salary in Virginia presents a compelling picture for animal health professionals. With a median annual income of $126,730, Virginia's veterinarians earn approximately 1% more than the national average, reflecting a strong demand for their expertise. This data is particularly relevant for the 2,700 individuals currently employed in this field within the state.
Factors influencing the Veterinarian salary in Virginia are diverse and include experience level, specialization, and the specific type of practice. Whether working in a large urban clinic or a rural animal hospital, the location within Virginia, as well as the services offered, can significantly impact earning potential, with salaries ranging from $63,350 to $220,170 annually.
Salary Distribution — Veterinarian in Virginia
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $63,350 |
| 25th percentile | $98,630 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $126,730 |
| 75th percentile | $177,650 |
| 90th percentile | $220,170 |
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 Virginia 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 Virginia vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Virginia) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $100,640 |
| 2023 | $115,630 |
| 2024 | $124,110 |
| 2025 | $126,730 |
| 2026 (projected) | $129,405 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Virginia Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $100,640 | $103,756 |
| 2023 | $115,630 | $112,674 |
| 2024 | $124,110 | $118,465 |
| 2025 | $126,730 | $124,944 |
| 2026 (projected) | $129,405 | $127,582 |
Veterinarian Salary by Experience Level in Virginia
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $98,630 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $126,730 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $177,650 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $220,170 |
Veterinarian Salary in Other States
Related Veterinarian Salaries in Virginia
How other high-demand occupations in Virginia compare to Veterinarian ($126,730 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Veterinarian | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anesthesiologist in VA | $488,310 | +285.3% | $234.76/hr |
| Cardiologist in VA | $461,450 | +264.1% | $221.85/hr |
| Radiologist in VA | $376,270 | +196.9% | $180.90/hr |
| Surgeon in VA | $360,510 | +184.5% | $173.32/hr |
| Psychiatrist in VA | $295,010 | +132.8% | $141.83/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in VA | $282,410 | +122.8% | $135.77/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in VA | $252,110 | +98.9% | $121.21/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in VA | $222,630 | +75.7% | $107.03/hr |
| Dentist in VA | $197,110 | +55.5% | $94.76/hr |
| Pediatrician in VA | $195,940 | +54.6% | $94.20/hr |
| Pharmacist in VA | $144,060 | +13.7% | $69.26/hr |
| Physician Assistant in VA | $135,940 | +7.3% | $65.36/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average veterinarian salary in Virginia?
- The median veterinarian salary in Virginia is $126,730 per year, which is equivalent to $61 per hour. This median figure is slightly higher than the national average, at 1.4% more.
What is the typical salary range for a veterinarian in Virginia?
- In Virginia, veterinarian salaries typically range from $63,350 on the lower end to $220,170 for those with more experience or specialized skills. The median salary sits comfortably in the middle of this range at $126,730 annually.
How does the veterinarian salary in Virginia compare to the national average?
- Veterinarians in Virginia earn, on average, 1.4% more than their counterparts nationwide. This means the median salary of $126,730 per year in Virginia is higher than the national median.
How many veterinarians are employed in Virginia?
- There are approximately 2,700 veterinarians currently employed in Virginia. This employed base helps support the median annual salary of $126,730 for the profession in the state.