Los Angeles vs Novato: Veterinarian Salary (2026)
Compare veterinarian salaries between Los Angeles, CA and Novato, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Los Angeles, CA | Novato, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $168,980 | $169,503▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $81.24 | $81.49▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $71,158 | $98,312▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $128,350 | $129,414▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $223,882▲ | $212,975 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $299,843▲ | $262,729 |
| Total Employed | 2,740▲ | 11 |
Verdict
Los Angeles and Novato are closely matched on overall veterinarian compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Los Angeles and Novato is $523 (0.31%). Novato's median is +23.42% 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,Novato spans $164,417. 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, Novato ($149,870 effective) pays 0.72% 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 Novato if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($169,503/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $149,870)
- ✓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 -9.5% growth in Novato over the same period.
Los Angeles, CA
$103,870 (2019) → $160,080 (2025)
Novato, CA
$177,348 (2024) → $160,575 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Los Angeles, CA
Novato, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays veterinarians more: Los Angeles or Novato?
What is the hourly rate difference between Los Angeles and Novato?
Should I relocate from Los Angeles to Novato as a veterinarian?
What do entry-level veterinarians earn in Los Angeles vs Novato?
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