Veterinarian Salary in District of Columbia: $162,932 (2026)
Quick Answer:Across District of Columbia's 1 metropolitan areas, the average median veterinarian pay sits at $162,932/year heading into 2026 — a figure projected from 2025 BLS OEWS wage data for SOC 29-1131. Because District of Columbia sits at BEA RPP 117.0 (17% above the U.S. baseline), that statewide median translates to roughly $139,258 in nationally-comparable purchasing power. Highest-paying metros: Washington ($154,350).
In 2026, the average median salary for veterinarians in the District of Columbia is projected to be $162,932, significantly higher than the national median of $137,334, resulting in a salary difference of +18.6%. Interestingly, Washington is both the highest and lowest paying city within the district, reflecting a salary of $162,932. This uniformity in pay can be attributed to the centralized nature of employment opportunities in the capital, where demand for veterinary services remains consistent. Factors such as strict state licensing requirements and well-defined scope of practice laws can influence both the supply of veterinarians and the quality of care provided. The increasing urban population and a heightened awareness of pet health continue to drive demand for veterinary services in D.C. With a projected job growth rate of 5.56% annually, the veterinarian job market appears strong. As of 2026, there are approximately 1,740 veterinarians employed in the district, indicating a sustainable level of job security within this sector. Overall, those considering a career as a veterinarian in the District of Columbia should be encouraged by the favorable salary parameters and growing job market.
District of Columbia Veterinarian Salary Range
Overall salary range in District of Columbia: $83,772 (lowest entry-level) to $286,880 (highest top earner)
District of Columbia vs National Average
District of Columbia veterinarians earn 18.64% more than the national median (+$25,598/year difference).
District of Columbia Veterinarian Salary Distribution (2026)
Veterinarian salaries in District of Columbia range from $83,772 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $286,880 (top earners, 90th percentile), with a median of $162,932. The District of Columbia median is $25,598 above the US national median of $137,334. The average hourly rate is $78.34/hr. Approximately 1,740 veterinarians are employed across 1 cities.
2019 BLS Actual
$110,310
2025 BLS Actual
$154,350
2026 Current Est.
$162,932
2019–2027 Growth
+55.9%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinarians in District of Columbia (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.56% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $110,310 | Actual |
| 2020 | $128,680 | Actual |
| 2021 | $125,320 | Actual |
| 2022 | $122,507 | Actual |
| 2023 | $141,300 | Actual |
| 2024 | $129,920 | Actual |
| 2025 | $154,350 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $162,932 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $171,991 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the District of Columbia metropolitan area, the median veterinarian salary grew 39.9% from $110,310 (2019) to $154,350 (2025). At a 5.56% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $171,991 by 2027 — a total increase of $61,681 (55.92%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the District of Columbia 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.
Top 1 Highest Paying Cities in District of Columbia
Salary by Experience Level in District of Columbia
| Experience Level | Estimated Annual |
|---|---|
| Entry Level (0-2 years) | $83,772 |
| Mid Career (3-7 years) | $162,932 |
| Experienced (7+ years) | $286,880 |
Estimates based on BLS percentile data averaged across District of Columbia metro areas. Individual pay varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
All 1 Cities in District of Columbia
| # | City | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Washington | $162,932 |
More District of Columbia Salary Data
Explore More Veterinarian Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do veterinarians make in District of Columbia in 2026?
What is the highest paying city for veterinarians in District of Columbia?
How does District of Columbia veterinarian pay compare to the national average?
What is the entry-level veterinarian salary in District of Columbia?
How many veterinarians are employed in District of Columbia?
Which District of Columbia city offers the best value for veterinarians?
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
Statewide 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. A 5.56% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to each metro area's reported salary to estimate current 2026 veterinarian compensation across District of Columbia. State averages are employment-weighted across 1 metro areas — larger metro areas with more veterinarianscontribute proportionally more to the average, producing figures that better reflect typical compensation. Individual pay varies by city, employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 5-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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