Veterinarian Salary

Gadsden vs Huntsville: Veterinarian Salary (2026)

Compare veterinarian salaries between Gadsden, AL and Huntsville, AL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Gadsden, AL
$104,884
$50.43/hr
Huntsville, AL
$118,470
$56.96/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricGadsden, ALHuntsville, AL
Median Salary$104,884$118,470
Hourly Rate$50.43$56.96
Entry Level (P10)$65,706$80,131
25th Percentile$85,408$105,824
75th Percentile$133,689$140,901
Top Earner (P90)$162,571$185,691
Total Employed7130
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Gadsden ($104,884) and Huntsville ($118,470) veterinarian salaries.GadsdenHuntsvilleMedian Salary$104,884$118,470Entry Level (P10)$65,706$80,131Top Earner (P90)$162,571$185,691US Median $137,334

Verdict

Huntsville, AL offers better overall compensation for veterinarians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Gadsden.

The salary gap between Gadsden and Huntsville is $13,586 (12.95%). Huntsville's median is -13.74% compared to the US national median of $137,334.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Gadsden spans $96,865,Huntsville spans $105,560. Huntsville has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced veterinarians.

Gadsden
P10 (Entry)$65,706
P25$85,408
Median$104,884
P75$133,689
P90 (Top)$162,571
Huntsville
P10 (Entry)$80,131
P25$105,824
Median$118,470
P75$140,901
P90 (Top)$185,691

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Huntsville ($127,289 effective) pays 6.68% more than Gadsden ($119,322 effective).

Gadsden
Nominal: $104,884
CoL Index: 87.9
Adjusted: $119,322
Huntsville
Nominal: $118,470
CoL Index: 93.072
Adjusted: $127,289

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Gadsden if…

  • You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle

Choose Huntsville if…

  • Higher median salary ($118,470/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($185,691)
  • Larger job market (130 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $127,289)
  • You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinarian salaries in Gadsden grew 19.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 10.0% growth in Huntsville over the same period.

Gadsden, AL

+19.2%

$83,340 (2024) → $99,360 (2025)

Huntsville, AL

+10.0%

$102,060 (2019) → $112,230 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays veterinarians more: Gadsden or Huntsville?

Huntsville has a higher median veterinarian salary at $118,470/year, compared to Gadsden at $104,884/year — a difference of $13,586 (12.95%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Gadsden and Huntsville?

Gadsden veterinarians earn $50.43/hr while Huntsville hygienists earn $56.96/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Gadsden to Huntsville as a veterinarian?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Gadsden and Huntsville. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Gadsden = $119,322, Huntsville = $127,289), job availability (7 vs 130 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level veterinarians earn in Gadsden vs Huntsville?

Entry-level (10th percentile) veterinarians earn $65,706 in Gadsden and $80,131 in Huntsville. The Huntsville area offers higher starting salaries.
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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