Veterinarian Salary

Boston vs Fitchburg: Veterinarian Salary (2026)

Compare veterinarian salaries between Boston, MA and Fitchburg, MA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Boston, MA
$146,623
$70.49/hr
Fitchburg, MA
$140,470
$67.54/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBoston, MAFitchburg, MA
Median Salary$146,623$140,470
Hourly Rate$70.49$67.54
Entry Level (P10)$87,858$81,472
25th Percentile$131,623$109,140
75th Percentile$187,812$177,201
Top Earner (P90)$296,729$217,728
Total Employed1,54010
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Boston ($146,623) and Fitchburg ($140,470) veterinarian salaries.BostonFitchburgMedian Salary$146,623$140,470Entry Level (P10)$87,858$81,472Top Earner (P90)$296,729$217,728US Median $137,334

Verdict

Boston, MA offers better overall compensation for veterinarians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Fitchburg.

The salary gap between Boston and Fitchburg is $6,153 (4.38%). Boston's median is +6.76% compared to the US national median of $137,334.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Boston spans $208,871,Fitchburg spans $136,256. Boston has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Boston
P10 (Entry)$87,858
P25$131,623
Median$146,623
P75$187,812
P90 (Top)$296,729
Fitchburg
P10 (Entry)$81,472
P25$109,140
Median$140,470
P75$177,201
P90 (Top)$217,728

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Boston ($135,428 effective) pays 4.61% more than Fitchburg ($129,465 effective).

Boston
Nominal: $146,623
CoL Index: 108.266
Adjusted: $135,428
Fitchburg
Nominal: $140,470
CoL Index: 108.5
Adjusted: $129,465

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Boston if…

  • Higher median salary ($146,623/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($296,729)
  • Larger job market (1,540 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $135,428)
  • You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle

Choose Fitchburg if…

  • You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinarian salaries in Boston grew 31.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -12.4% growth in Fitchburg over the same period.

Boston, MA

+31.5%

$105,650 (2019) → $138,900 (2025)

Fitchburg, MA

+-12.4%

$151,953 (2024) → $133,071 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays veterinarians more: Boston or Fitchburg?

Boston has a higher median veterinarian salary at $146,623/year, compared to Fitchburg at $140,470/year — a difference of $6,153 (4.38%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Boston and Fitchburg?

Boston veterinarians earn $70.49/hr while Fitchburg hygienists earn $67.54/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Boston to Fitchburg as a veterinarian?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Boston and Fitchburg. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Boston = $135,428, Fitchburg = $129,465), job availability (1,540 vs 10 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level veterinarians earn in Boston vs Fitchburg?

Entry-level (10th percentile) veterinarians earn $87,858 in Boston and $81,472 in Fitchburg. The Boston area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

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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