Veterinarian Salary

Kent vs Spokane: Veterinarian Salary (2026)

Compare veterinarian salaries between Kent, WA and Spokane, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Kent, WA
$166,903
$80.25/hr
Spokane, WA
$160,261
$77.05/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricKent, WASpokane, WA
Median Salary$166,903$160,261
Hourly Rate$80.25$77.05
Entry Level (P10)$97,066$96,672
25th Percentile$130,743$115,039
75th Percentile$213,635$179,800
Top Earner (P90)$258,700$223,207
Total Employed33160
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Kent ($166,903) and Spokane ($160,261) veterinarian salaries.KentSpokaneMedian Salary$166,903$160,261Entry Level (P10)$97,066$96,672Top Earner (P90)$258,700$223,207US Median $137,334

Verdict

Kent, WA offers better overall compensation for veterinarians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Spokane.

The salary gap between Kent and Spokane is $6,642 (4.14%). Kent's median is +21.53% compared to the US national median of $137,334.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Kent spans $161,634,Spokane spans $126,535. Kent has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Kent
P10 (Entry)$97,066
P25$130,743
Median$166,903
P75$213,635
P90 (Top)$258,700
Spokane
P10 (Entry)$96,672
P25$115,039
Median$160,261
P75$179,800
P90 (Top)$223,207

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Spokane ($159,708 effective) pays 2.77% more than Kent ($155,403 effective).

Kent
Nominal: $166,903
CoL Index: 107.4
Adjusted: $155,403
Spokane
Nominal: $160,261
CoL Index: 100.346
Adjusted: $159,708

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Kent if…

  • Higher median salary ($166,903/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($258,700)
  • You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle

Choose Spokane if…

  • Larger job market (160 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $159,708)
  • You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinarian salaries in Kent grew 3.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 55.5% growth in Spokane over the same period.

Kent, WA

+3.9%

$152,240 (2024) → $158,112 (2025)

Spokane, WA

+55.5%

$97,620 (2019) → $151,820 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays veterinarians more: Kent or Spokane?

Kent has a higher median veterinarian salary at $166,903/year, compared to Spokane at $160,261/year — a difference of $6,642 (4.14%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Kent and Spokane?

Kent veterinarians earn $80.25/hr while Spokane hygienists earn $77.05/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Kent to Spokane as a veterinarian?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Kent and Spokane. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Kent = $155,403, Spokane = $159,708), job availability (33 vs 160 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level veterinarians earn in Kent vs Spokane?

Entry-level (10th percentile) veterinarians earn $97,066 in Kent and $96,672 in Spokane. The Kent 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