Entry-Level Veterinarian Salary in Redmond, WA: $96,883 (2026)
Quick Answer:New veterinarians entering the Redmond, WA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $96,883 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1131, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Redmond's local price level (BEA RPP 107.4 — 7% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $90,208 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($167,040) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new grads entering the veterinary field in Redmond, Washington can expect starting salaries around $96,883, which is considerably lower than the median annual salary of $167,040 for all veterinarians in the area. This initial compensation reflects the gap that many entry-level positions exhibit when compared to established practitioners. Over the first few years, an entry-level veterinarian's salary could increase significantly, potentially reaching $126,299 by the 25th percentile as they gain experience. Given Redmond’s competitive market, current projections suggest that it remains a viable location for recent graduates seeking opportunities, especially with the anticipated annual growth rate of 5.56% in the veterinary profession.
About the Redmond Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($142,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Redmond
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 Redmond
Entry-level veterinarians in Redmond, WA typically start between $96,883 and $126,299 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $162,029 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $167,040 — 21.63% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average veterinary medicine program cost in Washington of $220,000 represents just 227.08% of the starting veterinarian pay ($96,883/year) in Redmond. 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 Redmond
- 1Research the Redmond market: entry-level veterinarian pay ranges from $96,883 to $126,299, 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 WA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Redmond, 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 Redmond for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Redmond'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 Redmond is $162,029 ( 167.24%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $96,883, experienced hygienists can earn up to $258,912.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$72,113
2025 BLS Actual
$91,780
2026 Current Est.
$96,883
2019–2027 Growth
+41.8%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinarians in Redmond (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.56% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $72,113 | Actual |
| 2020 | $75,353 | Actual |
| 2021 | $75,440 | Actual |
| 2022 | $77,415 | Actual |
| 2023 | $89,843 | Actual |
| 2024 | $88,372 | Actual |
| 2025 | $91,780 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $96,883 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $102,270 | Projected |
Entry-level veterinarian compensation (10th percentile) in Redmond, WA grew 27.3% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $72,113 in 2019 to $91,780 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $102,270. New graduates entering the Redmond job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Redmond 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 Redmond
In Redmond, various employers are actively recruiting new graduates, with corporate chains like VCA, BluePearl, and NVA being among the largest hirers. These companies often provide structured mentorship programs and sign-on bonuses, making them attractive options for recent DVM or VMD graduates. Independent practices may offer quicker paths to autonomy, although they typically lack formalized training systems. To enhance their starting pay, new veterinarians should prioritize obtaining credentials such as a DVM from an AVMA-accredited school, passing the NAVLE, and securing a state veterinary license. Engaging in a one-year rotating internship or pursuing specialty board certifications can also significantly impact long-term earning potential within the field. Given the corporate consolidation trend in veterinary practices, understanding the shifts in pay scales and partnership prospects will be essential as you navigate your first few years in the industry. For new graduates, realistic salary growth in the first three years can be promising, particularly for those pursuing specialty tracks, which can yield earnings significantly above general practice levels.
More salary data for Redmond, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for veterinarians in Redmond in 2026?
How fast do veterinarian salaries grow in Redmond?
Is veterinary medicine school worth it in Redmond?
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How do I become a veterinarian in Washington?
Related Pages
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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 Redmond. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Redmond 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