Veterinarian Salary

Newark vs Woodbridge: Veterinarian Salary (2026)

Compare veterinarian salaries between Newark, NJ and Woodbridge, NJ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Newark, NJ
$165,076
$79.36/hr
Woodbridge, NJ
$160,347
$77.09/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricNewark, NJWoodbridge, NJ
Median Salary$165,076$160,347
Hourly Rate$79.36$77.09
Entry Level (P10)$95,744$93,002
25th Percentile$129,988$128,488
75th Percentile$211,297$205,243
Top Earner (P90)$255,868$248,538
Total Employed6125
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Newark ($165,076) and Woodbridge ($160,347) veterinarian salaries.NewarkWoodbridgeMedian Salary$165,076$160,347Entry Level (P10)$95,744$93,002Top Earner (P90)$255,868$248,538US Median $137,334

Verdict

Newark, NJ offers better overall compensation for veterinarians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Woodbridge.

The salary gap between Newark and Woodbridge is $4,729 (2.95%). Newark's median is +20.20% compared to the US national median of $137,334.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Newark spans $160,124,Woodbridge spans $155,536. Newark has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Newark
P10 (Entry)$95,744
P25$129,988
Median$165,076
P75$211,297
P90 (Top)$255,868
Woodbridge
P10 (Entry)$93,002
P25$128,488
Median$160,347
P75$205,243
P90 (Top)$248,538

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Newark ($143,295 effective) pays 2.95% more than Woodbridge ($139,190 effective).

Newark
Nominal: $165,076
CoL Index: 115.2
Adjusted: $143,295
Woodbridge
Nominal: $160,347
CoL Index: 115.2
Adjusted: $139,190

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Newark if…

  • Higher median salary ($165,076/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($255,868)
  • Larger job market (61 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $143,295)
  • You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle

Choose Woodbridge if…

  • You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinarian salaries in Newark grew -3.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -2.9% growth in Woodbridge over the same period.

Newark, NJ

+-3.7%

$162,326 (2024) → $156,381 (2025)

Woodbridge, NJ

+-2.9%

$156,454 (2024) → $151,901 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays veterinarians more: Newark or Woodbridge?

Newark has a higher median veterinarian salary at $165,076/year, compared to Woodbridge at $160,347/year — a difference of $4,729 (2.95%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Newark and Woodbridge?

Newark veterinarians earn $79.36/hr while Woodbridge hygienists earn $77.09/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Newark to Woodbridge as a veterinarian?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Newark and Woodbridge. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Newark = $143,295, Woodbridge = $139,190), job availability (61 vs 25 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level veterinarians earn in Newark vs Woodbridge?

Entry-level (10th percentile) veterinarians earn $95,744 in Newark and $93,002 in Woodbridge. The Newark area offers higher starting salaries.
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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.

Clinically reviewed by Dr. Samuel Patel, DVMData verified by Dr. Maria Gomez, DVM

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