Veterinarian Salary in Lodi, CA: $149,930 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinarian in Lodi, CA earns a median $149,930/year (≈ $72.09/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1131). Once you factor in Lodi's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $132,564 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 11.1% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, veterinarians in Lodi, California, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $149,930, which is approximately 9.17% higher than the national median of $137,334. The salary range for this role varies significantly, with the lowest 10% earning around $88,267 and the top 10% reaching up to $232,391. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data projected to 2026, factor in regional price parities, illustrating the financial landscape for veterinary professionals in Lodi. Notably, the demand for veterinarians with specialty board certifications can further influence income potential, as those in surgery, internal medicine, or emergency care typically command higher compensation, reflecting broader trends in the veterinary job market.
About the Lodi Market
Salary estimated from California average ($156,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $88,267 | $42.44 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $118,227 | $56.84 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $149,930 | $72.09 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $191,910 | $92.26 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $232,391 | $111.72 |
Median Salary Position
9.17% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lodi
In Lodi, CA, the veterinarian salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $144,124 (2026 est.). At $149,930, the local median is 9.17% above the national median of $137,334.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Lodi: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Lodi Veterinarian Pay Compares
Lodi median: $149,930/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Lodi Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $168,650 | -11.10% less |
| National Average | $137,334 | +9.17% more |
Veterinarians in Lodi, CA earn a median of $149,930 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.17% higher than the national median of $137,334 and 11.10% below the California state average of $168,650.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Lodi has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Lodi, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $149,930 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $132,564 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$104,216
2025 BLS Actual
$142,033
2026 Current Est.
$149,930
2019–2027 Growth
+51.9%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinarians in Lodi (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.56% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $104,216 | Actual |
| 2020 | $108,353 | Actual |
| 2021 | $109,576 | Actual |
| 2022 | $112,731 | Actual |
| 2023 | $130,024 | Actual |
| 2024 | $172,261 | Actual |
| 2025 | $142,033 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $149,930 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $158,266 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Lodi metropolitan area, the median veterinarian salary grew 36.3% from $104,216 (2019) to $142,033 (2025). At a 5.56% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $158,266 by 2027 — a total increase of $54,050 (51.86%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lodi 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) | $88,267 – $118,227 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $118,227 – $149,930 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $149,930 – $191,910 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $191,910 – $232,391 |
DVM salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual veterinarian compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Veterinarian Job Market in Lodi
Currently, Lodi employs a modest number of veterinarians, totaling 14 in the area. Its cost-of-living index sits at 113.1, suggesting that while salaries are competitive, the purchasing power of those earnings may be constrained compared to regions with a lower cost of living. Among local employers, corporate entities such as VCA, BluePearl, and NVA generally offer the most lucrative compensation packages, particularly for those entering the field given the current shortage. In contrast, independent practices may provide less overall pay but can offer additional incentives such as practice ownership equity. The disparity in earnings can also be influenced by various factors including board certification, production-based compensation models, and available sign-on bonuses, which currently range between $50,000 and $150,000 for new graduates. To maximize their earning potential, aspiring veterinarians in Lodi should consider pursuing relevant certifications and staying informed on employment opportunities within both corporate and independent practice settings.
More salary data for Lodi, CA:
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 $142,033 for veterinariansin the Lodi 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 Lodi 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