Veterinarian Salary in Decatur, AL: $108,610 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinarian in Decatur, AL earns a median $108,610/year (≈ $52.22/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1131). Once you factor in Decatur's price level (12% below national, BEA RPP 87.9), that paycheck buys what $123,561 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.2% above the Alabama state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Decatur, Alabama, veterinarians can expect a median annual salary of $108,610 in 2026, reflecting the regional demand for animal care professionals. The salary range varies significantly, from $62,994 at the 10th percentile to $168,345 at the 90th percentile, indicating substantial growth opportunities within the field. These figures are based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, and account for local cost-of-living adjustments, which are lower than the national average. This discrepancy is particularly relevant for those specializing in areas like surgery or internal medicine, who often command higher salaries due to their advanced training and expertise. As the veterinary profession evolves, Decatur's job market offers a blend of opportunities for both generalists and specialists.
About the Decatur Market
Salary estimated from Alabama average ($98,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $62,994 | $30.29 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $82,485 | $39.66 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $108,610 | $52.22 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $138,404 | $66.55 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $168,345 | $80.93 |
Median Salary Position
20.92% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Decatur
In Decatur, AL, the veterinarian salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $105,351 (2026 est.). At $108,610, the local median is 20.92% below the national median of $137,334.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Decatur: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Decatur Veterinarian Pay Compares
Decatur median: $108,610/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Decatur Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama Average | $108,393 | +0.20% more |
| National Average | $137,334 | -20.92% less |
Veterinarians in Decatur, AL earn a median of $108,610 per year (2026 est.), which is 20.92% lower than the national median of $137,334 and 0.20% above the Alabama state average of $108,393.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Decatur has a cost of living 12.10% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Decatur, AL has a cost-of-living index of 87.9 (below the national average of 100). A veterinarian earning $108,610 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $123,561 in an average-cost city — an effective 13.77% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$75,494
2025 BLS Actual
$102,889
2026 Current Est.
$108,610
2019–2027 Growth
+51.9%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinarians in Decatur (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.56% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $75,494 | Actual |
| 2020 | $78,491 | Actual |
| 2021 | $95,590 | Actual |
| 2022 | $96,200 | Actual |
| 2023 | $94,190 | Actual |
| 2024 | $86,301 | Actual |
| 2025 | $102,889 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $108,610 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $114,648 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Decatur metropolitan area, the median veterinarian salary grew 36.3% from $75,494 (2019) to $102,889 (2025). At a 5.56% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $114,648 by 2027 — a total increase of $39,154 (51.86%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Decatur 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $62,994 – $82,485 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $82,485 – $108,610 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $108,610 – $138,404 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $138,404 – $168,345 |
DVM salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual veterinarian compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Veterinarian Job Market in Decatur
The local veterinary job market in Decatur is relatively small, with only nine employed veterinarians. The cost of living index in Decatur stands at 87.9, meaning that while salaries may be somewhat lower compared to national averages, the purchasing power remains robust. Among local employers, corporate chains such as VCA and BluePearl dominate, often offering competitive pay and benefits. However, independent practices may provide flexibility and ownership opportunities that could lead to higher earnings over time, especially for those willing to adopt production-based compensation models. The variation in veterinarian pay in Decatur, AL, arises from factors such as specialty board certifications and potential sign-on bonuses, especially in underserved areas. For veterinarians looking to maximize their compensation, focusing on advanced specialties, considering practice ownership, or joining corporate practices may yield the best financial rewards.
More salary data for Decatur, AL:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $102,889 for veterinariansin the Decatur metropolitan area. A 5.56% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Decatur 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