Entry-Level Veterinarian Salary in Plymouth, MN: $78,768 (2026)
Quick Answer:New veterinarians entering the Plymouth, MN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $78,768 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1131, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Plymouth's local price level (BEA RPP 98.5 — 1% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $79,968 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($135,807) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Plymouth, Minnesota, new veterinarians entering the workforce can expect to start at a salary of approximately $78,768, which is significantly lower than the city’s median annual salary of $135,807. For recent graduates, this gap highlights the importance of setting realistic expectations while navigating their early careers. However, there is a promising growth trajectory within the profession. Over the first few years, starting salaries are likely to increase to around $109,281 (P25), and as experience builds, many will find their way towards the median salary in quick succession. Considering the projected annual growth rate of 5.56%, this market provides an encouraging entry point for new graduates eager to establish their careers in veterinary medicine.
About the Plymouth Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($124,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Plymouth
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 Plymouth
Entry-level veterinarians in Plymouth, MN typically start between $78,768 and $109,281 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $131,733 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $135,807 — 1.11% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average veterinary medicine program cost in Minnesota of $210,000 represents just 266.61% of the starting veterinarian pay ($78,768/year) in Plymouth. 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 Plymouth
- 1Research the Plymouth market: entry-level veterinarian pay ranges from $78,768 to $109,281, 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 MN often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Plymouth, 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 Plymouth for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Plymouth'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 Plymouth is $131,733 ( 167.24%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $78,768, experienced hygienists can earn up to $210,501.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$58,629
2025 BLS Actual
$74,619
2026 Current Est.
$78,768
2019–2027 Growth
+41.8%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinarians in Plymouth (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.56% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $58,629 | Actual |
| 2020 | $61,264 | Actual |
| 2021 | $61,335 | Actual |
| 2022 | $62,940 | Actual |
| 2023 | $73,044 | Actual |
| 2024 | $70,108 | Actual |
| 2025 | $74,619 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $78,768 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $83,147 | Projected |
Entry-level veterinarian compensation (10th percentile) in Plymouth, MN grew 27.3% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $58,629 in 2019 to $74,619 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $83,147. New graduates entering the Plymouth job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Plymouth 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 Plymouth
When seeking employment in Plymouth, several key players in the veterinary field actively recruit new graduates, namely corporate chains like VCA, BluePearl, and NVA. These employers typically offer structured mentorship, which is a considerable advantage for recently graduated veterinarians, as it allows for guidance through the early years. While independent practices afford quicker autonomy, they often lack the same level of support. Additionally, pursuing further credentials can significantly boost salaries in Minnesota; obtaining a DVM or VMD from an AVMA-accredited program, passing the NAVLE, and securing a state veterinary license are essential steps. Those interested in specialty practice can also consider internships leading to board certification, which can result in significantly higher pay compared to general practice. Given the current corporate consolidation trends reshaping the industry, it is advisable for new veterinarians to stay informed about the evolving landscape and professional opportunities in order to maximize their earning potential over their initial years of practice in Plymouth.
More salary data for Plymouth, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for veterinarians in Plymouth in 2026?
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Is veterinary medicine school worth it in Plymouth?
What do new veterinarians make right out of school in Plymouth?
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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 Plymouth. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Plymouth 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