Veterinarian Salary

Baltimore vs Dundalk: Veterinarian Salary (2026)

Compare veterinarian salaries between Baltimore, MD and Dundalk, MD. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Baltimore, MD
$171,989
$82.69/hr
Dundalk, MD
$144,985
$69.70/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBaltimore, MDDundalk, MD
Median Salary$171,989$144,985
Hourly Rate$82.69$69.70
Entry Level (P10)$109,603$84,091
25th Percentile$140,004$112,490
75th Percentile$185,733$185,580
Top Earner (P90)$223,259$224,726
Total Employed70010
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Baltimore ($171,989) and Dundalk ($144,985) veterinarian salaries.BaltimoreDundalkMedian Salary$171,989$144,985Entry Level (P10)$109,603$84,091Top Earner (P90)$223,259$224,726US Median $137,334

Verdict

Baltimore, MD offers better overall compensation for veterinarians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Dundalk.

The salary gap between Baltimore and Dundalk is $27,004 (18.63%). Baltimore's median is +25.23% compared to the US national median of $137,334.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Baltimore spans $113,656,Dundalk spans $140,635. Dundalk has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced veterinarians.

Baltimore
P10 (Entry)$109,603
P25$140,004
Median$171,989
P75$185,733
P90 (Top)$223,259
Dundalk
P10 (Entry)$84,091
P25$112,490
Median$144,985
P75$185,580
P90 (Top)$224,726

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Baltimore ($164,603 effective) pays 24.09% more than Dundalk ($132,649 effective).

Baltimore
Nominal: $171,989
CoL Index: 104.487
Adjusted: $164,603
Dundalk
Nominal: $144,985
CoL Index: 109.3
Adjusted: $132,649

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Baltimore if…

  • Higher median salary ($171,989/year)
  • Larger job market (700 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $164,603)
  • You prefer the Maryland area and lifestyle

Choose Dundalk if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($224,726)
  • You prefer the Maryland area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinarian salaries in Baltimore grew 50.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 1.6% growth in Dundalk over the same period.

Baltimore, MD

+50.3%

$108,410 (2019) → $162,930 (2025)

Dundalk, MD

+1.6%

$135,131 (2024) → $137,348 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays veterinarians more: Baltimore or Dundalk?

Baltimore has a higher median veterinarian salary at $171,989/year, compared to Dundalk at $144,985/year — a difference of $27,004 (18.63%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Baltimore and Dundalk?

Baltimore veterinarians earn $82.69/hr while Dundalk hygienists earn $69.70/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Baltimore to Dundalk as a veterinarian?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Baltimore and Dundalk. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Baltimore = $164,603, Dundalk = $132,649), job availability (700 vs 10 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level veterinarians earn in Baltimore vs Dundalk?

Entry-level (10th percentile) veterinarians earn $109,603 in Baltimore and $84,091 in Dundalk. The Baltimore area offers higher starting salaries.
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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.

Clinically reviewed by Dr. Samuel Patel, DVMData verified by Dr. Maria Gomez, DVM

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