Veterinarian Salary in Virginia (2026)

Official state-level BLS pay data for Veterinarians in Virginia, plus how it compares with the rest of the country.

Official BLS state wage data · Unknown vintage
Virginia Median
$126,730
per year
Hourly Rate
$60.93
based on 2,080 hrs/yr
vs National
-3% vs US median
US median $130,100
State Rank
#23 of 49
2,700 employed here

How much does a Veterinarian make in Virginia?

A Veterinarian working in Virginia earns a median salary of $126,730 per year, or about $60.93 per hour. That is 3% below the national median of $130,100 for this occupation.

Within Virginia, entry-level pay starts around $63,350 while the top 10% make $220,170 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $98,630 and $177,650 a year.

Veterinarian salary range in Virginia

Pay levelAnnual salaryHourly rate
10th percentile (entry level)$63,350$30.46
25th percentile (early career)$98,630$47.42
50th percentile (median)$126,730$60.93
75th percentile (experienced)$177,650$85.41
90th percentile (top earners)$220,170$105.85

How Virginia compares

Virginia ranks 23rd out of 49 states and territories for Veterinarian pay. The top 5 best-paying states:

RankStateMedian salary
1California$163,920
2Maryland$163,170
3Washington$160,510
4New Jersey$160,140
5Arizona$152,020

Working as a Veterinarian in Virginia

Nationally, about 84,000 people work as Veterinarians in the United States. A bachelor's degree (about 4 years of college) is the standard entry requirement.

Considering a move? Compare Virginia pay ($126,730) against the highest-paying state above, and weigh the difference against housing and everyday costs — a smaller paycheck in a cheaper state can stretch further.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a Veterinarian make in Virginia?
The median Veterinarian salary in Virginia is $126,730 per year, or about $60.93 per hour, per official BLS state wage estimates. Salaries typically range from $63,350 at the entry level to $220,170 for the top 10% of earners.
How does Virginia pay compare to the national average?
Virginia pays Veterinarians about 3% less than the national median of $130,100. Virginia ranks 23rd out of 49 states and territories reporting this occupation.
Is Virginia a good state for Veterinarians?
Pay runs below the national median here, at $126,730 a year. About 2,700 Veterinarians are employed in Virginia. A lower cost of living can offset the smaller paycheck, so compare take-home value, not just salary.
What are the highest-paying jobs in Virginia?
The highest-paying occupations in Virginia include Anesthesiologist ($488,310), Orthopedic Surgeon, Except Pediatric ($478,710), Cardiologist ($461,450), based on median annual pay in official BLS state estimates.

← See the national Veterinarian salary report

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Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), Unknown vintage. Education requirements: O*NET (U.S. Department of Labor). State figures are official BLS state-level wage estimates. Where BLS suppresses a state percentile, it is scaled from the official national distribution. Individual pay varies by employer, metro area, and experience.