Veterinarian Salary

Hoover vs Montgomery: Veterinarian Salary (2026)

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

Hoover, AL
$109,459
$52.62/hr
Montgomery, AL
$108,410
$52.13/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricHoover, ALMontgomery, AL
Median Salary$109,459$108,410
Hourly Rate$52.62$52.13
Entry Level (P10)$63,487$78,146
25th Percentile$84,170$100,599
75th Percentile$140,108$139,075
Top Earner (P90)$169,662$178,787
Total Employed1790
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Hoover ($109,459) and Montgomery ($108,410) veterinarian salaries.HooverMontgomeryMedian Salary$109,459$108,410Entry Level (P10)$63,487$78,146Top Earner (P90)$169,662$178,787US Median $137,334

Verdict

Hoover and Montgomery are closely matched on overall veterinarian compensation, each winning on different metrics.

The salary gap between Hoover and Montgomery is $1,049 (0.97%). Hoover's median is -20.30% compared to the US national median of $137,334.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Hoover spans $106,175,Montgomery spans $100,641. Hoover has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Hoover
P10 (Entry)$63,487
P25$84,170
Median$109,459
P75$140,108
P90 (Top)$169,662
Montgomery
P10 (Entry)$78,146
P25$100,599
Median$108,410
P75$139,075
P90 (Top)$178,787

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Hoover ($124,527 effective) pays 3.01% more than Montgomery ($120,883 effective).

Hoover
Nominal: $109,459
CoL Index: 87.9
Adjusted: $124,527
Montgomery
Nominal: $108,410
CoL Index: 89.682
Adjusted: $120,883

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Hoover if…

  • Higher median salary ($109,459/year)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $124,527)
  • You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle

Choose Montgomery if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($178,787)
  • Larger job market (90 employed)
  • You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinarian salaries in Hoover grew 19.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 6.1% growth in Montgomery over the same period.

Hoover, AL

+19.2%

$86,976 (2024) → $103,694 (2025)

Montgomery, AL

+6.1%

$96,770 (2019) → $102,700 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays veterinarians more: Hoover or Montgomery?

Hoover has a higher median veterinarian salary at $109,459/year, compared to Montgomery at $108,410/year — a difference of $1,049 (0.97%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Hoover and Montgomery?

Hoover veterinarians earn $52.62/hr while Montgomery hygienists earn $52.13/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Hoover to Montgomery as a veterinarian?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Hoover and Montgomery. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Hoover = $124,527, Montgomery = $120,883), job availability (17 vs 90 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level veterinarians earn in Hoover vs Montgomery?

Entry-level (10th percentile) veterinarians earn $63,487 in Hoover and $78,146 in Montgomery. The Montgomery 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