Veterinarian Salary

Boston vs Pittsfield: Veterinarian Salary (2026)

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

Boston, MA
$146,623
$70.49/hr
Pittsfield, MA
$135,022
$64.92/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBoston, MAPittsfield, MA
Median Salary$146,623$135,022
Hourly Rate$70.49$64.92
Entry Level (P10)$87,858$104,663
25th Percentile$131,623$111,429
75th Percentile$187,812$172,770
Top Earner (P90)$296,729$276,441
Total Employed1,54030
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Boston ($146,623) and Pittsfield ($135,022) veterinarian salaries.BostonPittsfieldMedian Salary$146,623$135,022Entry Level (P10)$87,858$104,663Top Earner (P90)$296,729$276,441US Median $137,334

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Boston and Pittsfield is $11,601 (8.59%). 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,Pittsfield spans $171,778. 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
Pittsfield
P10 (Entry)$104,663
P25$111,429
Median$135,022
P75$172,770
P90 (Top)$276,441

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Pittsfield ($141,970 effective) pays 4.83% more than Boston ($135,428 effective).

Boston
Nominal: $146,623
CoL Index: 108.266
Adjusted: $135,428
Pittsfield
Nominal: $135,022
CoL Index: 95.106
Adjusted: $141,970

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)
  • You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle

Choose Pittsfield if…

  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $141,970)
  • 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 1.9% growth in Pittsfield over the same period.

Boston, MA

+31.5%

$105,650 (2019) → $138,900 (2025)

Pittsfield, MA

+1.9%

$125,560 (2024) → $127,910 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays veterinarians more: Boston or Pittsfield?

Boston has a higher median veterinarian salary at $146,623/year, compared to Pittsfield at $135,022/year — a difference of $11,601 (8.59%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Boston and Pittsfield?

Boston veterinarians earn $70.49/hr while Pittsfield hygienists earn $64.92/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Boston to Pittsfield as a veterinarian?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Boston and Pittsfield. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Boston = $135,428, Pittsfield = $141,970), job availability (1,540 vs 30 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) veterinarians earn $87,858 in Boston and $104,663 in Pittsfield. The Pittsfield 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