Liberal vs Manhattan: Veterinarian Salary (2026)
Compare veterinarian salaries between Liberal, KS and Manhattan, KS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Liberal, KS | Manhattan, KS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $116,431▲ | $85,831 |
| Hourly Rate | $55.98▲ | $41.26 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $73,729▲ | $44,652 |
| 25th Percentile | $95,560▲ | $44,652 |
| 75th Percentile | $141,086▲ | $109,487 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $180,467▲ | $133,882 |
| Total Employed | 4 | 70▲ |
Verdict
Liberal, KS offers better overall compensation for veterinarians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Manhattan.
The salary gap between Liberal and Manhattan is $30,600 (35.65%). Liberal's median is -15.22% compared to the US national median of $137,334.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Liberal spans $106,738,Manhattan spans $89,230. Liberal has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Liberal ($128,087 effective) pays 34.55% more than Manhattan ($95,196 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Liberal if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($116,431/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($180,467)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $128,087)
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Choose Manhattan if…
- ✓Larger job market (70 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinarian salaries in Liberal grew 27.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 93.2% growth in Manhattan over the same period.
Liberal, KS
$86,475 (2024) → $110,298 (2025)
Manhattan, KS
$42,080 (2020) → $81,310 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Liberal, KS
Manhattan, KS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays veterinarians more: Liberal or Manhattan?
What is the hourly rate difference between Liberal and Manhattan?
Should I relocate from Liberal to Manhattan as a veterinarian?
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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.
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