Veterinarian Salary in Boston, MA: $146,623 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinarian in Boston, MA earns a median $146,623/year (≈ $70.49/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1131). Once you factor in Boston's price level (8% above national, BEA RPP 108.3), that paycheck buys what $135,428 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.9% above the Massachusetts state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, the veterinarian salary in Boston is projected to reach a median annual income of $146,623, representing a notable increase compared to national averages, with the national median forecasted at $137,334. This reflects a solid growth trend in the local market, with salaries ranging significantly from $87,858 at the lower end (P10) to as high as $296,729 (P90) for the most experienced professionals. The official estimates, based on 2025 BLS OEWS data projected to 2026, indicate a robust demand within the veterinary profession, shaped largely by factors such as revenue production models and corporate employment structures. For those entering this field in Boston, understanding the salary dynamics is crucial for career planning.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $87,858 | $42.23 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $131,623 | $63.28 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $146,623 | $70.49 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $187,812 | $90.30 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $296,729 | $142.65 |
Median Salary Position
6.76% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Boston
In Boston, MA, the veterinarian salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $208,871 (2026 est.). At $146,623, the local median is 6.76% above the national median of $137,334.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Boston: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Boston Veterinarian Pay Compares
Boston median: $146,623/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Boston Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Average | $142,491 | +2.90% more |
| National Average | $137,334 | +6.76% more |
Veterinarians in Boston, MA earn a median of $146,623 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.76% higher than the national median of $137,334 and 2.90% above the Massachusetts state average of $142,491.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Boston has a cost of living 8.27% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Boston, MA has a cost-of-living index of 108.266 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $146,623 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $135,428 — a 7.64% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$105,650
2025 BLS Actual
$138,900
2026 Current Est.
$146,623
2019–2027 Growth
+46.5%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinarians in Boston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.56% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $105,650 | Actual |
| 2020 | $104,620 | Actual |
| 2021 | $104,310 | Actual |
| 2022 | $125,560 | Actual |
| 2023 | $130,850 | Actual |
| 2024 | $132,790 | Actual |
| 2025 | $138,900 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $146,623 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $154,775 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Boston metropolitan area, the median veterinarian salary grew 31.5% from $105,650 (2019) to $138,900 (2025). At a 5.56% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $154,775 by 2027 — a total increase of $49,125 (46.50%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Boston 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) | $87,858 – $131,623 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $131,623 – $146,623 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $146,623 – $187,812 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $187,812 – $296,729 |
DVM salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual veterinarian compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Veterinarian Job Market in Boston
The job market in Boston currently employs approximately 1,540 veterinarians, indicating a thriving local sector. However, the cost-of-living index stands at 108.266, suggesting that while salaries appear attractive, the purchasing power may be tempered by higher living expenses. Small animal companion clinics, particularly corporate chains like VCA and BluePearl, dominate the market, accounting for nearly 25% of veterinary practices and often offering competitive pay. The substantial pay disparity observed in the field commonly relates to factors like board certifications, production-based compensation models, and benefits for newly graduated veterinarians, such as sign-on bonuses that can range from $50,000 to $150,000 in areas facing personnel shortages. Focusing on acquiring specializations through ACVIM or ACVS certifications can enhance salary potential significantly. To maximize earnings, aspiring veterinarians in Boston should consider both corporate and independent practice pathways, each offering distinct advantages and compensation structures.
More salary data for Boston, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do veterinarians make in Boston, MA in 2026?
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Can veterinarians make $100K in Boston?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted veterinarian salary in Boston?
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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 $138,900 for veterinariansin the Boston 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
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