Entry-Level Veterinarian Salary in Moline, IL: $77,557 (2026)
Quick Answer:New veterinarians entering the Moline, IL job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $77,557 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1131, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Moline's local price level (BEA RPP 97.1 — 3% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $79,873 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($133,719) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the veterinary profession in Moline, Illinois, can expect an entry-level veterinarian salary starting around $77,557, significantly lower than the city median of $133,719. This initial pay may reflect the high level of skill required and market conditions, perhaps enticing to those keen on building their experience in a stable environment. Over the first few years, graduates can anticipate gradual salary growth, reaching projections of $104,052 by the 25th percentile, with the potential to approach or even exceed the median salary as they gain expertise. Considering Moline's competitive yet supportive veterinary landscape, new veterinarians might find sufficient opportunities to thrive and attain favorable financial progression.
About the Moline Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($122,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Moline
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Moline
Entry-level veterinarians in Moline, IL typically start between $77,557 and $104,052 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $129,708 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $133,719 — 2.63% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average veterinary medicine program cost in Illinois of $215,000 represents just 277.22% of the starting veterinarian pay ($77,557/year) in Moline. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on AVMA Council on Education (COE)-accredited DVM program data from AAVMC cost comparison tool and state veterinary college reports. Tuition-only totals for the 4-year DVM curriculum; resident vs. non-resident rates vary substantially.
DVM Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Moline
- 1Research the Moline market: entry-level veterinarian pay ranges from $77,557 to $104,052, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the veterinary medicine field — employers in IL often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Moline, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Moline for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Moline's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Veterinarian Compensation Range
The veterinarian wage spread in Moline is $129,708 ( 167.24%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $77,557, experienced hygienists can earn up to $207,265.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$57,728
2025 BLS Actual
$73,472
2026 Current Est.
$77,557
2019–2027 Growth
+41.8%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinarians in Moline (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.56% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $57,728 | Actual |
| 2020 | $60,322 | Actual |
| 2021 | $60,392 | Actual |
| 2022 | $61,972 | Actual |
| 2023 | $71,921 | Actual |
| 2024 | $67,828 | Actual |
| 2025 | $73,472 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $77,557 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $81,869 | Projected |
Entry-level veterinarian compensation (10th percentile) in Moline, IL grew 27.3% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $57,728 in 2019 to $73,472 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $81,869. New graduates entering the Moline job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Moline metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 5.56% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your veterinary medicine Career in Moline
Looking into employment possibilities, corporate veterinary groups like VCA, BluePearl, and NVA are primary employers in Moline, often showing a preference for hiring newly minted DVM graduates. These companies usually provide valuable mentorship programs alongside sign-on bonuses, ensuring a structured transition into veterinary practice. On the other hand, independent veterinary practices may offer new graduates quicker paths to autonomy in their work, albeit with less comprehensive training. To enhance their starting pay in Illinois, new veterinarians should pursue credentials such as the national NAVLE exam and obtain a state veterinary license. Considering the ongoing corporate consolidation in the veterinary field, focusing on specialties can greatly improve career outlook—specialists often earn significantly more than general practitioners. Career advancement within the first few years may be influenced by continued education and experience gained through internships and residencies, with realistic expectations of increased compensation aligning with milestone achievements in the specialty community.
More salary data for Moline, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for veterinarians in Moline in 2026?
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Is veterinary medicine school worth it in Moline?
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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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new veterinary medicine graduates. A 5.56% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Moline. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Moline is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.56%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for veterinarians (SOC 29-1131).
Compiled and verified by Dr. Alice Nguyen, DVM, a licensed veterinarian with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov