Veterinarian Salary in Augusta, ME: $128,984 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinarian in Augusta, ME earns a median $128,984/year (≈ $62.02/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1131). Once you factor in Augusta's price level (0% above national, BEA RPP 99.6), that paycheck buys what $129,502 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.7% below the Maine state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, veterinarians in Augusta, Maine are projected to earn a median annual salary of $128,984, falling short of the national median of $137,334. The salary spectrum ranges from $80,643 at the 10th percentile to $199,925 at the 90th percentile, reflecting a diverse range of compensation reflective of different practice types. Local estimates are shaped by factors such as the corporate versus independent practice structures prevalent in the region. Corporate practices, often offering stability and additional resources, may pay differently compared to independent practices that might provide flexible working conditions and ownership opportunities. For emerging veterinarians or those considering a move within the profession, understanding these dynamics in Augusta's job market is crucial.
About the Augusta Market
Salary estimated from Maine average ($116,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $80,643 | $38.77 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $104,702 | $50.34 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $128,984 | $62.02 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $162,709 | $78.23 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $199,925 | $96.12 |
Median Salary Position
6.08% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Augusta
In Augusta, ME, the veterinarian salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $119,282 (2026 est.). At $128,984, the local median is 6.08% below the national median of $137,334.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Augusta: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Augusta Veterinarian Pay Compares
Augusta median: $128,984/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Augusta Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Maine Average | $136,780 | -5.70% less |
| National Average | $137,334 | -6.08% less |
Veterinarians in Augusta, ME earn a median of $128,984 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.08% lower than the national median of $137,334 and 5.70% below the Maine state average of $136,780.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Augusta has a cost of living 0.40% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Augusta, ME has a cost-of-living index of 99.6 (below the national average of 100). A veterinarian earning $128,984 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $129,502 in an average-cost city — an effective 0.4% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$89,656
2025 BLS Actual
$122,190
2026 Current Est.
$128,984
2019–2027 Growth
+51.9%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinarians in Augusta (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.56% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $89,656 | Actual |
| 2020 | $93,216 | Actual |
| 2021 | $94,268 | Actual |
| 2022 | $96,982 | Actual |
| 2023 | $111,859 | Actual |
| 2024 | $108,947 | Actual |
| 2025 | $122,190 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $128,984 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $136,155 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Augusta metropolitan area, the median veterinarian salary grew 36.3% from $89,656 (2019) to $122,190 (2025). At a 5.56% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $136,155 by 2027 — a total increase of $46,499 (51.86%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Augusta 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) | $80,643 – $104,702 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $104,702 – $128,984 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $128,984 – $162,709 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $162,709 – $199,925 |
DVM salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual veterinarian compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Veterinarian Job Market in Augusta
With only four veterinarians employed in the area, the job market in Augusta appears somewhat competitive, but the cost of living index is slightly below the national average at 99.6. This factor can influence the real purchasing power of the veterinarian pay in Augusta, ME. Corporate chains like VCA and BluePearl, making up about 25% of the veterinary market, tend to offer higher salaries compared to small independent clinics. That said, large animal and mixed practices may present attractive options due to the unique skill sets required. Factors like specialty board certification can significantly elevate earning potential with specialized veterinarians typically earning 2-3 times more than general practitioners. Moreover, production-based compensation models might reward those who bring in higher revenue, providing a pathway for maximizing earnings. For those entering the market, focusing on acquisition of skills that align with these high-paying opportunities will be key in enhancing overall veterinarian salary in Augusta.
More salary data for Augusta, ME:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can veterinarians make $100K in Augusta?
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Related Pages
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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 $122,190 for veterinariansin the Augusta 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 Augusta 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