Appleton vs Fond du Lac: Veterinarian Salary (2026)
Compare veterinarian salaries between Appleton, WI and Fond du Lac, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Appleton, WI | Fond du Lac, WI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $111,682▲ | $108,656 |
| Hourly Rate | $53.70▲ | $52.24 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $85,482▲ | $65,014 |
| 25th Percentile | $107,471▲ | $86,561 |
| 75th Percentile | $133,861 | $136,637▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $164,336 | $168,417▲ |
| Total Employed | 100▲ | 8 |
Verdict
Appleton, WI offers better overall compensation for veterinarians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Fond du Lac.
The salary gap between Appleton and Fond du Lac is $3,026 (2.78%). Appleton's median is -18.68% compared to the US national median of $137,334.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Appleton spans $78,854,Fond du Lac spans $103,403. Fond du Lac has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced veterinarians.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Appleton ($120,843 effective) pays 3.88% more than Fond du Lac ($116,334 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Appleton if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($111,682/year)
- ✓Larger job market (100 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $120,843)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Choose Fond du Lac if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($168,417)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinarian salaries in Appleton grew 22.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 11.0% growth in Fond du Lac over the same period.
Appleton, WI
$86,070 (2019) → $105,800 (2025)
Fond du Lac, WI
$92,710 (2022) → $102,933 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Appleton, WI
Fond du Lac, WI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays veterinarians more: Appleton or Fond du Lac?
What is the hourly rate difference between Appleton and Fond du Lac?
Should I relocate from Appleton to Fond du Lac as a veterinarian?
What do entry-level veterinarians earn in Appleton vs Fond du Lac?
Related Comparisons
Written by Dr. Alice Nguyen, DVM
Career Analyst
Dr. Alice Nguyen has 10 years of experience in veterinary medicine. She specializes in small animal surgery. She currently works at a suburban veterinary clinic.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.56% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Dr. Alice Nguyen, DVM, a licensed veterinarian with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov