Veterinarian Salary in San Bernardino, CA: $170,014 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinarian in San Bernardino, CA earns a median $170,014/year (≈ $81.74/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1131). Once you factor in San Bernardino's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $150,322 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.8% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the veterinarian salary in San Bernardino, California, is projected at a median of $170,014, which is significantly higher than the national average of $137,334, marking a 23.80% increase. This figure reflects the city's unique market conditions, where pay structures can vary greatly between corporate and independent practices. The salary range spans from $98,608 at the 10th percentile to $263,521 at the 90th percentile, indicating that new graduates or those in entry-level positions may start with lower compensation, while experienced veterinarians, especially those with specialized skills, can command considerably higher salaries. These estimates are derived from BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional cost factors, showcasing a competitive landscape for veterinary professionals in the area.
About the San Bernardino Market
Salary estimated from California average ($156,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $98,608 | $47.41 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $133,828 | $64.34 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $170,014 | $81.74 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $217,618 | $104.62 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $263,521 | $126.69 |
Median Salary Position
23.80% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in San Bernardino
In San Bernardino, CA, the veterinarian salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $164,913 (2026 est.). At $170,014, the local median is 23.8% above the national median of $137,334.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in San Bernardino: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How San Bernardino Veterinarian Pay Compares
San Bernardino median: $170,014/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | San Bernardino Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $168,665 | +0.80% more |
| National Average | $137,334 | +23.80% more |
Veterinarians in San Bernardino, CA earn a median of $170,014 per year (2026 est.), which is 23.80% higher than the national median of $137,334 and 0.80% above the California state average of $168,665.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
San Bernardino has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
San Bernardino, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $170,014 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $150,322 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$118,176
2025 BLS Actual
$161,059
2026 Current Est.
$170,014
2019–2027 Growth
+51.9%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinarians in San Bernardino (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.56% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $118,176 | Actual |
| 2020 | $122,868 | Actual |
| 2021 | $124,254 | Actual |
| 2022 | $127,832 | Actual |
| 2023 | $147,441 | Actual |
| 2024 | $181,954 | Actual |
| 2025 | $161,059 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $170,014 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $179,467 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the San Bernardino metropolitan area, the median veterinarian salary grew 36.3% from $118,176 (2019) to $161,059 (2025). At a 5.56% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $179,467 by 2027 — a total increase of $61,291 (51.86%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the San Bernardino 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) | $98,608 – $133,828 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $133,828 – $170,014 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $170,014 – $217,618 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $217,618 – $263,521 |
DVM salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual veterinarian compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Veterinarian Job Market in San Bernardino
In San Bernardino, the local job market employs approximately 33 veterinarians, creating a modest yet competitive environment driven by the rising demand for veterinary services. The cost-of-living index, sitting at 113.1, suggests that while salaries are relatively high, they must also contend with increased living expenses, impacting take-home pay and overall purchasing power. Among the employers in San Bernardino, corporate chains like VCA and BluePearl usually offer higher starting salaries than independent practices due to their resources and production-based compensation models, which can include bonuses based on revenue generation. The spread in veterinarian pay here can be substantial, influenced by factors such as specialty board certifications and practice ownership equity. For those looking to maximize their earnings in this market, pursuing board certifications in surgery, internal medicine, or emergency care, considering corporate positions that offer incentives, and being open to relocation can help capitalize on the growing demand for veterinary services in the region.
More salary data for San Bernardino, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can veterinarians make $100K in San Bernardino?
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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 $161,059 for veterinariansin the San Bernardino 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 San Bernardino 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