Veterinarian Salary in Emporia, KS: $115,248 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinarian in Emporia, KS earns a median $115,248/year (≈ $55.41/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1131). Once you factor in Emporia's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 90.9), that paycheck buys what $126,785 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.7% below the Kansas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the veterinarian salary in Emporia, KS, is projected to reach a median of $115,248. This figure reflects the ongoing disparity seen in the industry, particularly influenced by the structural divide between corporate and independent practices. In Emporia, where salaries range from $71,505 at the 10th percentile to $178,635 at the 90th percentile, veterinarians working in corporate settings often stand to earn higher wages with possible additional benefits like sign-on bonuses. These local salary estimates are derived from the 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional cost-of-living considerations, providing a clearer picture of compensation in this market. The employment of just five veterinarians in the area also indicates a tight job market where competition could influence salary negotiations.
About the Emporia Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($102,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $71,505 | $34.38 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $93,152 | $44.79 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $115,248 | $55.41 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $145,178 | $69.80 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $178,635 | $85.88 |
Median Salary Position
16.08% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Emporia
In Emporia, KS, the veterinarian salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $107,130 (2026 est.). At $115,248, the local median is 16.08% below the national median of $137,334.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Emporia: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Emporia Veterinarian Pay Compares
Emporia median: $115,248/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Emporia Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas Average | $124,863 | -7.70% less |
| National Average | $137,334 | -16.08% less |
Veterinarians in Emporia, KS earn a median of $115,248 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.08% lower than the national median of $137,334 and 7.70% below the Kansas state average of $124,863.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Emporia has a cost of living 9.10% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Emporia, KS has a cost-of-living index of 90.9 (below the national average of 100). A veterinarian earning $115,248 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $126,785 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.01% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$80,109
2025 BLS Actual
$109,178
2026 Current Est.
$115,248
2019–2027 Growth
+51.9%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinarians in Emporia (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.56% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $80,109 | Actual |
| 2020 | $83,289 | Actual |
| 2021 | $84,229 | Actual |
| 2022 | $86,654 | Actual |
| 2023 | $99,947 | Actual |
| 2024 | $85,597 | Actual |
| 2025 | $109,178 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $115,248 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $121,656 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Emporia metropolitan area, the median veterinarian salary grew 36.3% from $80,109 (2019) to $109,178 (2025). At a 5.56% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $121,656 by 2027 — a total increase of $41,547 (51.86%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Emporia 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) | $71,505 – $93,152 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $93,152 – $115,248 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $115,248 – $145,178 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $145,178 – $178,635 |
DVM salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual veterinarian compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Veterinarian Job Market in Emporia
Analyzing the job market dynamics in Emporia reveals important factors influencing veterinarian pay. Despite only employing five veterinarians, the area's cost-of-living index sits at 90.9, suggesting that while salaries might be lower compared to national averages, purchasing power remains relatively stable. Large animal and mixed practices are prevalent in this region, yet specialty referral hospitals may pay more due to higher service complexity. The disparity in wages is also shaped by specializations such as surgery or internal medicine, which typically command higher salaries. New graduates may find lucrative opportunities, particularly in shortage areas, with sign-on bonuses reaching between $50,000 and $150,000. For veterinarians in Emporia, pursuing board certifications or considering equity ownership in independent practices are viable strategies to elevate their earning potential in a competitive landscape shaped by corporate consolidation.
More salary data for Emporia, KS:
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 $109,178 for veterinariansin the Emporia 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 Emporia 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