Veterinarian Salary in Key West, FL: $136,452 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinarian in Key West, FL earns a median $136,452/year (≈ $65.61/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1131). Once you factor in Key West's price level (1% above national, BEA RPP 100.8), that paycheck buys what $135,369 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.5% below the Florida state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, veterinarians in Key West, Florida, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $136,452, slightly below the national median of $137,334. The salary range for these professionals is wide, spanning from $79,143 at the 10th percentile to $211,501 at the 90th percentile. These figures reflect local estimates based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for the region's cost of living. The structural divide between corporate and independent veterinary practices can heavily influence earnings, as corporate entities often offer more standardized pay but may limit the flexibility and ownership opportunities found in independent practices. The dynamics of the job market in Key West suggest a competitive landscape, shaped by the recent consolidation trends in the veterinary field.
About the Key West Market
Salary estimated from Florida average ($108,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $79,143 | $38.05 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $105,859 | $50.89 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $136,452 | $65.61 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $171,771 | $82.58 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $211,501 | $101.69 |
Median Salary Position
0.64% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Key West
In Key West, FL, the veterinarian salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $132,358 (2026 est.). At $136,452, the local median is 0.64% below the national median of $137,334.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Key West: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Key West Veterinarian Pay Compares
Key West median: $136,452/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Key West Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Florida Average | $138,530 | -1.50% less |
| National Average | $137,334 | -0.64% less |
Veterinarians in Key West, FL earn a median of $136,452 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.64% lower than the national median of $137,334 and 1.50% below the Florida state average of $138,530.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Key West has a cost of living 0.80% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Key West, FL has a cost-of-living index of 100.8 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $136,452 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $135,369 — a 0.79% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$94,847
2025 BLS Actual
$129,265
2026 Current Est.
$136,452
2019–2027 Growth
+51.9%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinarians in Key West (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.56% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $94,847 | Actual |
| 2020 | $98,613 | Actual |
| 2021 | $99,726 | Actual |
| 2022 | $102,597 | Actual |
| 2023 | $118,336 | Actual |
| 2024 | $107,267 | Actual |
| 2025 | $129,265 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $136,452 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $144,039 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Key West metropolitan area, the median veterinarian salary grew 36.3% from $94,847 (2019) to $129,265 (2025). At a 5.56% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $144,039 by 2027 — a total increase of $49,192 (51.86%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Key West 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) | $79,143 – $105,859 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $105,859 – $136,452 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $136,452 – $171,771 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $171,771 – $211,501 |
DVM salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual veterinarian compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Veterinarian Job Market in Key West
Within Key West, there are currently four employed veterinarians, indicating a niche market with potential for growth. The cost of living index at 100.8 suggests that while expenses are slightly above the national average, the compensation for veterinarians is relatively competitive. Small animal companion clinics, particularly those affiliated with corporate chains like VCA and BluePearl, dominate the market, accounting for roughly 25% of veterinary positions. Factors such as specialty board certification in fields like surgery or internal medicine can drive significant pay disparities, with those in specialized roles often receiving compensation two to three times higher than general practitioners. To maximize earnings in Key West, veterinarians should consider pursuing specialty certifications, exploring production-based compensation models, and remaining open to opportunities in both corporate and independent settings.
More salary data for Key West, FL:
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 $129,265 for veterinariansin the Key West 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 Key West 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