Miami vs Jacksonville: Veterinarian Salary (2026)
Compare veterinarian salaries between Miami, FL and Jacksonville, FL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Miami, FL | Jacksonville, FL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $137,112 | $141,250▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $65.92 | $67.91▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $65,553 | $66,556▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $88,026 | $101,570▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $174,860 | $177,562▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $223,977▲ | $223,766 |
| Total Employed | 1,150▲ | 470 |
Verdict
Miami and Jacksonville are closely matched on overall veterinarian compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Miami and Jacksonville is $4,138 (3.02%). Jacksonville's median is +2.85% compared to the US national median of $137,334.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Miami spans $158,424,Jacksonville spans $157,210. Miami 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, Jacksonville ($141,983 effective) pays 18.21% more than Miami ($120,110 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Miami if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($223,977)
- ✓Larger job market (1,150 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Choose Jacksonville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($141,250/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $141,983)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinarian salaries in Miami grew 64.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 50.0% growth in Jacksonville over the same period.
Miami, FL
$78,990 (2019) → $129,890 (2025)
Jacksonville, FL
$89,220 (2019) → $133,810 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Jacksonville, FL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays veterinarians more: Miami or Jacksonville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Miami and Jacksonville?
Should I relocate from Miami to Jacksonville as a veterinarian?
What do entry-level veterinarians earn in Miami vs Jacksonville?
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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