Los Angeles vs Napa: Veterinarian Salary (2026)
Compare veterinarian salaries between Los Angeles, CA and Napa, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Los Angeles, CA | Napa, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $168,980 | $182,197▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $81.24 | $87.59▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $71,158 | $78,589▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $128,350 | $136,584▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $223,882▲ | $216,071 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $299,843▲ | $282,943 |
| Total Employed | 2,740▲ | 30 |
Verdict
Los Angeles and Napa are closely matched on overall veterinarian compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Los Angeles and Napa is $13,217 (7.82%). Napa's median is +32.67% compared to the US national median of $137,334.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Los Angeles spans $228,685,Napa spans $204,354. Los Angeles 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, Napa ($161,875 effective) pays 8.79% more than Los Angeles ($148,795 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Los Angeles if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($299,843)
- ✓Larger job market (2,740 employed)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Napa if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($182,197/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $161,875)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinarian salaries in Los Angeles grew 54.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 72.7% growth in Napa over the same period.
Los Angeles, CA
$103,870 (2019) → $160,080 (2025)
Napa, CA
$99,930 (2019) → $172,600 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Los Angeles, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays veterinarians more: Los Angeles or Napa?
What is the hourly rate difference between Los Angeles and Napa?
Should I relocate from Los Angeles to Napa as a veterinarian?
What do entry-level veterinarians earn in Los Angeles vs Napa?
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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