Clearwater vs Miami: Veterinarian Salary (2026)
Compare veterinarian salaries between Clearwater, FL and Miami, FL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Clearwater, FL | Miami, FL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $139,409▲ | $137,112 |
| Hourly Rate | $67.02▲ | $65.92 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $80,857▲ | $65,553 |
| 25th Percentile | $103,958▲ | $88,026 |
| 75th Percentile | $178,443▲ | $174,860 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $216,083 | $223,977▲ |
| Total Employed | 19 | 1,150▲ |
Verdict
Clearwater and Miami are closely matched on overall veterinarian compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Clearwater and Miami is $2,297 (1.68%). Clearwater's median is +1.51% compared to the US national median of $137,334.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Clearwater spans $135,226,Miami spans $158,424. Miami has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced veterinarians.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Clearwater ($138,303 effective) pays 15.15% more than Miami ($120,110 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Clearwater if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($139,409/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $138,303)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Choose Miami if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($223,977)
- ✓Larger job market (1,150 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinarian salaries in Clearwater grew 19.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 64.4% growth in Miami over the same period.
Clearwater, FL
$110,687 (2024) → $132,066 (2025)
Miami, FL
$78,990 (2019) → $129,890 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Clearwater, FL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays veterinarians more: Clearwater or Miami?
What is the hourly rate difference between Clearwater and Miami?
Should I relocate from Clearwater to Miami as a veterinarian?
What do entry-level veterinarians earn in Clearwater vs Miami?
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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.
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