Veterinarian Salary

La Vergne vs Nashville: Veterinarian Salary (2026)

Compare veterinarian salaries between La Vergne, TN and Nashville, TN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

La Vergne, TN
$122,864
$59.07/hr
Nashville, TN
$133,248
$64.06/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricLa Vergne, TNNashville, TN
Median Salary$122,864$133,248
Hourly Rate$59.07$64.06
Entry Level (P10)$74,375$109,983
25th Percentile$98,132$123,843
75th Percentile$154,748$168,432
Top Earner (P90)$190,440$175,356
Total Employed8500
Side-by-side bar chart comparing La Vergne ($122,864) and Nashville ($133,248) veterinarian salaries.La VergneNashvilleMedian Salary$122,864$133,248Entry Level (P10)$74,375$109,983Top Earner (P90)$190,440$175,356US Median $137,334

Verdict

Nashville, TN offers better overall compensation for veterinarians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to La Vergne.

The salary gap between La Vergne and Nashville is $10,384 (8.45%). Nashville's median is -2.98% compared to the US national median of $137,334.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in La Vergne spans $116,065,Nashville spans $65,373. La Vergne has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

La Vergne
P10 (Entry)$74,375
P25$98,132
Median$122,864
P75$154,748
P90 (Top)$190,440
Nashville
P10 (Entry)$109,983
P25$123,843
Median$133,248
P75$168,432
P90 (Top)$175,356

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Nashville ($138,313 effective) pays 3.34% more than La Vergne ($133,839 effective).

La Vergne
Nominal: $122,864
CoL Index: 91.8
Adjusted: $133,839
Nashville
Nominal: $133,248
CoL Index: 96.338
Adjusted: $138,313

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose La Vergne if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($190,440)
  • You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle

Choose Nashville if…

  • Higher median salary ($133,248/year)
  • Larger job market (500 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $138,313)
  • You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinarian salaries in La Vergne grew 25.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 25.0% growth in Nashville over the same period.

La Vergne, TN

+25.2%

$92,935 (2024) → $116,393 (2025)

Nashville, TN

+25.0%

$100,990 (2019) → $126,230 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays veterinarians more: La Vergne or Nashville?

Nashville has a higher median veterinarian salary at $133,248/year, compared to La Vergne at $122,864/year — a difference of $10,384 (8.45%).

What is the hourly rate difference between La Vergne and Nashville?

La Vergne veterinarians earn $59.07/hr while Nashville hygienists earn $64.06/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from La Vergne to Nashville as a veterinarian?

Consider more than just salary when comparing La Vergne and Nashville. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: La Vergne = $133,839, Nashville = $138,313), job availability (8 vs 500 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level veterinarians earn in La Vergne vs Nashville?

Entry-level (10th percentile) veterinarians earn $74,375 in La Vergne and $109,983 in Nashville. The Nashville 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