Raleigh vs Statesville: Veterinarian Salary (2026)
Compare veterinarian salaries between Raleigh, NC and Statesville, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Raleigh, NC | Statesville, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $137,597▲ | $135,124 |
| Hourly Rate | $66.15▲ | $64.96 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $84,269▲ | $79,069 |
| 25th Percentile | $107,724▲ | $105,908 |
| 75th Percentile | $174,543▲ | $171,148 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $225,856▲ | $209,443 |
| Total Employed | 520▲ | 7 |
Verdict
Raleigh, NC offers better overall compensation for veterinarians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Statesville.
The salary gap between Raleigh and Statesville is $2,473 (1.83%). Raleigh's median is +0.19% compared to the US national median of $137,334.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Raleigh spans $141,587,Statesville spans $130,374. Raleigh 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, Statesville ($144,363 effective) pays 2.98% more than Raleigh ($140,181 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Raleigh if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($137,597/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($225,856)
- ✓Larger job market (520 employed)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Statesville if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $144,363)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinarian salaries in Raleigh grew 39.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 23.1% growth in Statesville over the same period.
Raleigh, NC
$93,660 (2019) → $130,350 (2025)
Statesville, NC
$103,961 (2024) → $128,007 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Raleigh, NC
Statesville, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays veterinarians more: Raleigh or Statesville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Raleigh and Statesville?
Should I relocate from Raleigh to Statesville as a veterinarian?
What do entry-level veterinarians earn in Raleigh vs Statesville?
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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