Veterinarian Salary in Hawaii: $148,061 (2026)
Quick Answer:Across Hawaii's 10 metropolitan areas, the average median veterinarian pay sits at $148,061/year heading into 2026 — a figure projected from 2025 BLS OEWS wage data for SOC 29-1131. Because Hawaii sits at BEA RPP 119.3 (19% above the U.S. baseline), that statewide median translates to roughly $124,108 in nationally-comparable purchasing power. Highest-paying metros: Honolulu ($165,153), Kaneohe ($154,232), Mililani Town ($153,955).
In Hawaii, the average median salary for veterinarians in 2026 is projected to be $148,062, reflecting a 7.8% increase compared to the national median of $137,334. The highest paying city is Honolulu, where veterinarians can earn $174,336, while the lowest paying city, Urban Honolulu, offers $138,104. This salary gap of $36,232 between the two areas can be attributed to factors such as the cost of living, demand for veterinary services, and the concentration of higher-paying positions in urban centers. Hawaii's veterinary workforce is influenced by specific state licensing requirements and scope of practice laws, which can affect job accessibility and responsibilities. The demand for veterinarians is driven by the state’s unique animal population, including companion animals and marine life, alongside an increasing focus on veterinary care. Currently, there are approximately 430 veterinarians employed in the state, with job market expectations showing a positive growth trend at an annual compound growth rate of 5.56%. This outlook suggests a promising future for those entering or advancing in the veterinary profession in Hawaii, with steady demand expected to continue as residents prioritize pet care and overall animal health.
Hawaii Veterinarian Salary Range
Overall salary range in Hawaii: $85,884 (lowest entry-level) to $270,220 (highest top earner)
Hawaii vs National Average
Hawaii veterinarians earn 7.81% more than the national median (+$10,727/year difference).
Hawaii Veterinarian Salary Distribution (2026)
Veterinarian salaries in Hawaii range from $90,920 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $215,577 (top earners, 90th percentile), with a median of $148,061. The Hawaii median is $10,727 above the US national median of $137,334. The average hourly rate is $71.18/hr. Approximately 430 veterinarians are employed across 10 cities.
2019 BLS Actual
$98,427
2025 BLS Actual
$140,263
2026 Current Est.
$148,061
2019–2027 Growth
+58.8%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinarians in Hawaii (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.56% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $98,427 | Actual |
| 2020 | $103,014 | Actual |
| 2021 | $99,810 | Actual |
| 2022 | $103,630 | Actual |
| 2023 | $115,630 | Actual |
| 2024 | $123,397 | Actual |
| 2025 | $140,263 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $148,061 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $156,293 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Hawaii metropolitan area, the median veterinarian salary grew 42.5% from $98,427 (2019) to $140,263 (2025). At a 5.56% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $156,293 by 2027 — a total increase of $57,866 (58.79%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hawaii 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 5 Highest Paying Cities in Hawaii
Lowest Paying Cities in Hawaii
| City | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Urban Honolulu | $138,104 |
| Kahului | $154,740 |
| Hilo | $155,472 |
| Pearl City | $159,019 |
| Waipahu | $160,544 |
Best Value Cities for Veterinarians in Hawaii
When adjusted for local cost of living, these Hawaii cities offer the most purchasing power for veterinarians.
| City | Nominal Salary | CoL Index | Adjusted Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Honolulu | $174,336 | 119.3 | $146,132 |
| Kahului | $154,740 | 109.393 | $141,453 |
| Kaneohe | $162,807 | 119.3 | $136,469 |
| Mililani Town | $162,515 | 119.3 | $136,224 |
| Kailua | $162,414 | 119.3 | $136,139 |
Adjusted salary = nominal salary × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average. Lower index = lower cost of living.
Salary by Experience Level in Hawaii
| Experience Level | Estimated Annual |
|---|---|
| Entry Level (0-2 years) | $90,920 |
| Mid Career (3-7 years) | $148,061 |
| Experienced (7+ years) | $215,577 |
Estimates based on BLS percentile data averaged across Hawaii metro areas. Individual pay varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
All 10 Cities in Hawaii
| # | City | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Honolulu | $174,336 |
| 2 | Kaneohe | $162,807 |
| 3 | Mililani Town | $162,515 |
| 4 | Kailua | $162,414 |
| 5 | East Honolulu | $160,608 |
| 6 | Waipahu | $160,544 |
| 7 | Pearl City | $159,019 |
| 8 | Hilo | $155,472 |
| 9 | Kahului | $154,740 |
| 10 | Urban Honolulu | $138,104 |
More Hawaii Salary Data
Senior / Experienced
Top earner salaries for experienced veterinarians.
Explore More Veterinarian Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do veterinarians make in Hawaii in 2026?
What is the highest paying city for veterinarians in Hawaii?
How does Hawaii veterinarian pay compare to the national average?
What is the entry-level veterinarian salary in Hawaii?
How many veterinarians are employed in Hawaii?
Which Hawaii 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 Hawaii. State averages are employment-weighted across 10 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, 7-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