Charlotte vs Winston-Salem: Veterinarian Salary (2026)
Compare veterinarian salaries between Charlotte, NC and Winston-Salem, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Charlotte, NC | Winston-Salem, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $136,257 | $141,215▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $65.51 | $67.90▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $83,329▲ | $81,905 |
| 25th Percentile | $104,568▲ | $103,711 |
| 75th Percentile | $175,008 | $180,756▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $226,289▲ | $218,883 |
| Total Employed | 750▲ | 59 |
Verdict
Charlotte and Winston-Salem are closely matched on overall veterinarian compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Charlotte and Winston-Salem is $4,958 (3.64%). Winston-Salem's median is +2.83% compared to the US national median of $137,334.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Charlotte spans $142,960,Winston-Salem spans $136,978. Charlotte 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, Winston-Salem ($150,871 effective) pays 7.79% more than Charlotte ($139,969 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Charlotte if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($226,289)
- ✓Larger job market (750 employed)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Winston-Salem if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($141,215/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $150,871)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinarian salaries in Charlotte grew 23.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 23.1% growth in Winston-Salem over the same period.
Charlotte, NC
$104,960 (2019) → $129,080 (2025)
Winston-Salem, NC
$108,646 (2024) → $133,777 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Charlotte, NC
Winston-Salem, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays veterinarians more: Charlotte or Winston-Salem?
What is the hourly rate difference between Charlotte and Winston-Salem?
Should I relocate from Charlotte to Winston-Salem as a veterinarian?
What do entry-level veterinarians earn in Charlotte vs Winston-Salem?
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