Lansing vs Traverse City: Veterinarian Salary (2026)
Compare veterinarian salaries between Lansing, MI and Traverse City, MI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lansing, MI | Traverse City, MI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $129,322 | $131,243▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $62.17 | $63.10▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $81,387 | $82,210▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $98,255 | $106,668▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $162,731 | $169,339▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $180,624 | $195,318▲ |
| Total Employed | 140▲ | 30 |
Verdict
Traverse City, MI offers better overall compensation for veterinarians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Lansing.
The salary gap between Lansing and Traverse City is $1,921 (1.49%). Traverse City's median is -4.44% compared to the US national median of $137,334.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lansing spans $99,237,Traverse City spans $113,108. Traverse City 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, Traverse City ($140,559 effective) pays 3.25% more than Lansing ($136,141 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Lansing if…
- ✓Larger job market (140 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle
Choose Traverse City if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($131,243/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($195,318)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $140,559)
- ✓You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinarian salaries in Lansing grew 17.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 18.9% growth in Traverse City over the same period.
Lansing, MI
$104,350 (2019) → $122,510 (2025)
Traverse City, MI
$104,570 (2024) → $124,330 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lansing, MI
Traverse City, MI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays veterinarians more: Lansing or Traverse City?
What is the hourly rate difference between Lansing and Traverse City?
Should I relocate from Lansing to Traverse City as a veterinarian?
What do entry-level veterinarians earn in Lansing vs Traverse City?
Related Comparisons
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