Veterinarian Salary in Menifee, CA: $167,477 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinarian in Menifee, CA earns a median $167,477/year (≈ $80.52/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1131). Once you factor in Menifee's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $148,079 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.7% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the veterinarian salary in Menifee, CA, is expected to reach a median annual figure of $167,477, significantly surpassing the national median of $137,334 by nearly 22%. This robust salary reflects the structural divide between corporate and independent veterinary practices in the area, which influences pay scales and opportunities. The salary range for veterinarians in Menifee is substantial, with entry-level positions starting at about $97,136 and experienced veterinarians earning up to $259,590. These estimates are derived from BLS state-level data and incorporate regional cost adjustments, illustrating Menifee's competitive pay landscape for veterinary professionals. This market offers promising financial rewards for both new graduates and seasoned veterinarians looking for lucrative practice settings.
About the Menifee Market
Salary estimated from California average ($156,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $97,136 | $46.70 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $130,190 | $62.59 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $167,477 | $80.52 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $214,371 | $103.06 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $259,590 | $124.80 |
Median Salary Position
21.95% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Menifee
In Menifee, CA, the veterinarian salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $162,454 (2026 est.). At $167,477, the local median is 21.95% above the national median of $137,334.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Menifee: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Menifee Veterinarian Pay Compares
Menifee median: $167,477/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Menifee Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $168,658 | -0.70% less |
| National Average | $137,334 | +21.95% more |
Veterinarians in Menifee, CA earn a median of $167,477 per year (2026 est.), which is 21.95% higher than the national median of $137,334 and 0.70% below the California state average of $168,658.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Menifee has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Menifee, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $167,477 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $148,079 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$116,413
2025 BLS Actual
$158,656
2026 Current Est.
$167,477
2019–2027 Growth
+51.9%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinarians in Menifee (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.56% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $116,413 | Actual |
| 2020 | $121,035 | Actual |
| 2021 | $122,400 | Actual |
| 2022 | $125,925 | Actual |
| 2023 | $145,242 | Actual |
| 2024 | $175,228 | Actual |
| 2025 | $158,656 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $167,477 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $176,789 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Menifee metropolitan area, the median veterinarian salary grew 36.3% from $116,413 (2019) to $158,656 (2025). At a 5.56% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $176,789 by 2027 — a total increase of $60,376 (51.86%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Menifee 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) | $97,136 – $130,190 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $130,190 – $167,477 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $167,477 – $214,371 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $214,371 – $259,590 |
DVM salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual veterinarian compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Veterinarian Job Market in Menifee
As of 2026, there are 20 veterinarians employed within Menifee, contributing to a growing local job market amid a cost-of-living index of 113.1, which is above the national average. This elevated cost-of-living impacts take-home purchasing power, making it crucial to consider compensation strategies. Leading employers in the area, such as VCA and BluePearl, form a significant portion of the market, providing competitive salaries often linked to corporate pay scales. The pay disparity witnessed among veterinarians can be attributed to several factors; specialty board certifications such as DACVS or DACVIM typically command higher pay, sometimes 2-3 times more than general practitioners. Additionally, corporate structures often offer production-based compensation models, sign-on bonuses, and ownership equity, strategies that candidates should tap into for maximizing pay. As corporate consolidation trends continue, opportunities for growth within specialty and general practices will shape compensation dynamics in Menifee.
More salary data for Menifee, 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 $158,656 for veterinariansin the Menifee 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 Menifee 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