Bethesda vs Lexington Park: Veterinarian Salary (2026)
Compare veterinarian salaries between Bethesda, MD and Lexington Park, MD. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bethesda, MD | Lexington Park, MD |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $144,985 | $168,885▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $69.70 | $81.20▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $84,091 | $113,308▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $112,490 | $142,305▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $185,580▲ | $182,524 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $224,726▲ | $217,179 |
| Total Employed | 18 | 50▲ |
Verdict
Lexington Park, MD offers better overall compensation for veterinarians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Bethesda.
The salary gap between Bethesda and Lexington Park is $23,900 (16.48%). Lexington Park's median is +22.97% compared to the US national median of $137,334.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bethesda spans $140,635,Lexington Park spans $103,871. Bethesda has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Lexington Park ($167,611 effective) pays 26.36% more than Bethesda ($132,649 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bethesda if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($224,726)
- ✓You prefer the Maryland area and lifestyle
Choose Lexington Park if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($168,885/year)
- ✓Larger job market (50 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $167,611)
- ✓You prefer the Maryland area and lifestyle
View Full Salary Data
Bethesda, MD
Lexington Park, MD
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays veterinarians more: Bethesda or Lexington Park?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bethesda and Lexington Park?
Should I relocate from Bethesda to Lexington Park as a veterinarian?
What do entry-level veterinarians earn in Bethesda vs Lexington Park?
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