Veterinarian Salary in Bethesda, MD: $144,985 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinarian in Bethesda, MD earns a median $144,985/year (≈ $69.70/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1131). Once you factor in Bethesda's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 109.3), that paycheck buys what $132,649 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.4% below the Maryland state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
The projected veterinarian salary in Bethesda for 2026 is an impressive $144,985, reflecting a competitive edge in the region when compared to the national median of $137,334. Salary estimates range significantly, with a low of $84,091 at the 10th percentile and a high of $224,726 at the 90th percentile, underscoring the diverse opportunities available for veterinary professionals in the area. These figures are derived from 2025 BLS data, which have been adjusted for regional price parities and local employment conditions. Such a strong median salary suggests that Bethesda's job market is favorable for veterinarians, particularly for those who hold specialty board certifications such as surgery or internal medicine.
About the Bethesda Market
Salary estimated from Maryland average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $84,091 | $40.43 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $112,490 | $54.08 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $144,985 | $69.70 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $185,580 | $89.22 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $224,726 | $108.04 |
Median Salary Position
5.57% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Bethesda
In Bethesda, MD, the veterinarian salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $140,635 (2026 est.). At $144,985, the local median is 5.57% above the national median of $137,334.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Bethesda: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Bethesda Veterinarian Pay Compares
Bethesda median: $144,985/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Bethesda Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland Average | $150,088 | -3.40% less |
| National Average | $137,334 | +5.57% more |
Veterinarians in Bethesda, MD earn a median of $144,985 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.57% higher than the national median of $137,334 and 3.40% below the Maryland state average of $150,088.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Bethesda has a cost of living 9.30% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Bethesda, MD has a cost-of-living index of 109.3 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $144,985 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $132,649 — a 8.51% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$100,778
2025 BLS Actual
$137,348
2026 Current Est.
$144,985
2019–2027 Growth
+51.9%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinarians in Bethesda (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.56% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $100,778 | Actual |
| 2020 | $104,779 | Actual |
| 2021 | $105,962 | Actual |
| 2022 | $109,013 | Actual |
| 2023 | $125,735 | Actual |
| 2024 | $135,131 | Actual |
| 2025 | $137,348 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $144,985 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $153,046 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Bethesda metropolitan area, the median veterinarian salary grew 36.3% from $100,778 (2019) to $137,348 (2025). At a 5.56% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $153,046 by 2027 — a total increase of $52,268 (51.86%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bethesda 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) | $84,091 – $112,490 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $112,490 – $144,985 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $144,985 – $185,580 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $185,580 – $224,726 |
DVM salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual veterinarian compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Veterinarian Job Market in Bethesda
In Bethesda, presently employing 18 veterinarians, local market conditions play a significant role in shaping salaries. The cost of living index stands at 109.3, indicating that while compensation is robust, purchasing power may be more constrained compared to other regions. Corporations like VCA and BluePearl dominate approximately 25% of the market, typically offering higher salaries and structured benefits. The pay differential between generalists and specialists is also pronounced, with board-certified veterinarians earning substantially more due to their advanced training and expertise. Factors such as production-based pay models, ownership stakes in practices, and attractive sign-on bonuses can further influence earnings. For those looking to maximize their veterinarian pay in Bethesda, pursuing specialty certification or considering employment with larger corporate groups may present the best financial outcomes.
More salary data for Bethesda, MD:
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 $137,348 for veterinariansin the Bethesda 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 Bethesda 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