Entry-Level Veterinarian Salary in Burlington, IA: $77,381 (2026)
Quick Answer:New veterinarians entering the Burlington, IA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $77,381 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1131, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Burlington's local price level (BEA RPP 90.4 — 10% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $85,598 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($129,404) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates entering the veterinary profession in Burlington, Iowa can anticipate starting salaries that reflect the local market dynamics. In 2026, the entry-level veterinarian salary in Burlington is projected to start around $77,381, which represents a significant gap compared to the city’s median annual salary of $129,404. This apparent disparity emphasizes the growth potential within the early career phase, as salaries can realistically rise to the $102,890 range within a few years. With a robust growth rate of 5.56% expected annually, those entering this field in Burlington are positioned well for steady increments in pay, especially when considering the average work environment and demand for veterinary professionals in the area. Given these factors, the Burlington market appears to be a favorable one for recent veterinary graduates exploring their first opportunities.
About the Burlington Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($108,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Burlington
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 Burlington
Entry-level veterinarians in Burlington, IA typically start between $77,381 and $102,890 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $123,195 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $129,404 — 5.77% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average veterinary medicine program cost in Iowa of $175,000 represents just 226.15% of the starting veterinarian pay ($77,381/year) in Burlington. 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 Burlington
- 1Research the Burlington market: entry-level veterinarian pay ranges from $77,381 to $102,890, 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 IA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Burlington, 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 Burlington for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Burlington's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Veterinarian Compensation Range
The veterinarian wage spread in Burlington is $123,195 ( 159.21%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $77,381, experienced hygienists can earn up to $200,576.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$57,597
2025 BLS Actual
$73,305
2026 Current Est.
$77,381
2019–2027 Growth
+41.8%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinarians in Burlington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.56% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $57,597 | Actual |
| 2020 | $60,185 | Actual |
| 2021 | $60,254 | Actual |
| 2022 | $61,831 | Actual |
| 2023 | $71,758 | Actual |
| 2024 | $55,293 | Actual |
| 2025 | $73,305 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $77,381 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $81,683 | Projected |
Entry-level veterinarian compensation (10th percentile) in Burlington, IA grew 27.3% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $57,597 in 2019 to $73,305 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $81,683. New graduates entering the Burlington job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Burlington 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 Burlington
Employers in Burlington, Iowa, vary widely in their approach to hiring new veterinarians, each offering different pathways for career advancement and mentorship. Corporate veterinary chains such as VCA, BluePearl, and NVA typically provide structured mentorship programs and often entice new graduates with sign-on bonuses, making them attractive options for recent DVM or VMD holders. Alternatively, independent practices may offer new vets more immediate autonomy but with less formal training. For those considering specialization, pursuing a rotating internship followed by a residency to achieve board certification from institutions such as ACVS or ACVIM can enhance career growth and salary potential significantly. It’s essential for new grads to focus on gaining credentials, as the competitive nature of the field, defined by corporate consolidations and shifts in partnership structures, impacts earning potential. In the years immediately following graduation, it’s realistic to expect gradual salary increases as individuals build experience and demonstrate their value within their chosen practice.
More salary data for Burlington, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for veterinarians in Burlington in 2026?
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Is veterinary medicine school worth it in Burlington?
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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 Burlington. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Burlington 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