Entry-Level Veterinarian Salary in Quincy, IL: $78,854 (2026)
Quick Answer:New veterinarians entering the Quincy, IL job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $78,854 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1131, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Quincy's local price level (BEA RPP 97.1 — 3% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $81,209 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($135,956) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Quincy, Illinois, new graduates entering the veterinary field in 2026 can expect an entry-level veterinarian salary that starts at around $78,854. This figure can feel modest when measured against the city's median annual salary of $135,956, illustrating a significant initial gap for those just beginning their careers. However, early-career veterinarians can anticipate growth with steady increases in pay as they gain experience and skills. Within the first 3-5 years, salary potential rises to approximately $108,191 for those in the 25th percentile, eventually reaching the median as they establish themselves in the profession. With a growing demand for veterinary services in Quincy, now is an opportune time for new grads to explore opportunities in this market.
About the Quincy Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($122,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Quincy
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 Quincy
Entry-level veterinarians in Quincy, IL typically start between $78,854 and $108,191 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $131,878 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $135,956 — 1% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average veterinary medicine program cost in Illinois of $215,000 represents just 272.66% of the starting veterinarian pay ($78,854/year) in Quincy. 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 Quincy
- 1Research the Quincy market: entry-level veterinarian pay ranges from $78,854 to $108,191, 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 Quincy, 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 Quincy for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Quincy'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 Quincy is $131,878 ( 167.24%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $78,854, experienced hygienists can earn up to $210,732.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$58,694
2025 BLS Actual
$74,701
2026 Current Est.
$78,854
2019–2027 Growth
+41.8%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinarians in Quincy (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.56% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $58,694 | Actual |
| 2020 | $61,331 | Actual |
| 2021 | $61,402 | Actual |
| 2022 | $63,009 | Actual |
| 2023 | $73,125 | Actual |
| 2024 | $66,676 | Actual |
| 2025 | $74,701 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $78,854 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $83,239 | Projected |
Entry-level veterinarian compensation (10th percentile) in Quincy, IL grew 27.3% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $58,694 in 2019 to $74,701 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $83,239. New graduates entering the Quincy job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Quincy 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 Quincy
As new graduates embark on their veterinary careers in Quincy, they will find a mix of employment opportunities that cater to various preferences. Corporate veterinary chains such as VCA, BluePearl, and NVA are major employers, often providing structured mentorship programs along with sign-on bonuses, which can significantly enhance starting veterinarian pay in IL. Independent practices, on the other hand, offer a quicker path to autonomy, albeit with less formal training. Newly licensed veterinarians may also consider specialty internships, which serve as a crucial step towards residency and board certification through organizations like ACVS or ACVIM. Achieving credentials such as the NAVLE and a state veterinary license is essential; many graduates opt for additional training through a one-year rotating internship or a three-year residency to increase their earning potential. With corporate employers reshaping the pay landscape, realistic salary growth expectations for the first few years typically align with the ongoing trends in corporate consolidation within the veterinary field, driving both competition and remuneration.
More salary data for Quincy, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for veterinarians in Quincy in 2026?
How fast do veterinarian salaries grow in Quincy?
Is veterinary medicine school worth it in Quincy?
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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 Quincy. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Quincy 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