Veterinarian Salary in Chicopee, MA: $141,708 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinarian in Chicopee, MA earns a median $141,708/year (≈ $68.13/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1131). Once you factor in Chicopee's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 108.5), that paycheck buys what $130,606 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.5% below the Massachusetts state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Chicopee, Massachusetts, the projected median annual veterinarian salary for 2026 is $141,708, translating to an hourly rate of $68.13. This figure falls slightly above the national median of $137,334, highlighting a competitive pay structure in the area. The salary range is notable, with positions paying as little as $82,191 (P10) and as high as $219,647 (P90). These estimates are derived from 2025 BLS state-level data, adjusted for local cost-of-living factors, reflecting Chicopee's cost of living index of 108.5, which is slightly above the national average. The distinction between corporate and independent practice can significantly influence pay in this market, which can impact job satisfaction and long-term earning potential for veterinarians in the region.
About the Chicopee Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($142,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $82,191 | $39.51 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $106,438 | $51.18 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $141,708 | $68.13 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $179,289 | $86.20 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $219,647 | $105.60 |
Median Salary Position
3.18% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Chicopee
In Chicopee, MA, the veterinarian salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $137,456 (2026 est.). At $141,708, the local median is 3.18% above the national median of $137,334.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Chicopee: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Chicopee Veterinarian Pay Compares
Chicopee median: $141,708/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Chicopee Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Average | $142,420 | -0.50% less |
| National Average | $137,334 | +3.18% more |
Veterinarians in Chicopee, MA earn a median of $141,708 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.18% higher than the national median of $137,334 and 0.50% below the Massachusetts state average of $142,420.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Chicopee has a cost of living 8.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Chicopee, MA has a cost-of-living index of 108.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $141,708 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $130,606 — a 7.83% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$98,501
2025 BLS Actual
$134,244
2026 Current Est.
$141,708
2019–2027 Growth
+51.9%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinarians in Chicopee (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.56% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $98,501 | Actual |
| 2020 | $102,411 | Actual |
| 2021 | $103,567 | Actual |
| 2022 | $106,549 | Actual |
| 2023 | $122,894 | Actual |
| 2024 | $153,292 | Actual |
| 2025 | $134,244 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $141,708 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $149,587 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Chicopee metropolitan area, the median veterinarian salary grew 36.3% from $98,501 (2019) to $134,244 (2025). At a 5.56% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $149,587 by 2027 — a total increase of $51,086 (51.86%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Chicopee 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) | $82,191 – $106,438 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $106,438 – $141,708 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $141,708 – $179,289 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $179,289 – $219,647 |
DVM salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual veterinarian compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Veterinarian Job Market in Chicopee
The local job market for veterinarians in Chicopee is relatively tight, with only 10 veterinarians currently employed, suggesting limited competition but also a potential for higher salaries as demand grows. The higher cost of living in this area can erode purchasing power, making it crucial for veterinarians to maximize their earning potential. Corporate practices, such as those under VCA or BluePearl, typically offer competitive salaries and benefits, often supported by production-based pay models that reward high earners significantly. On the other hand, independent practices may provide a more stable but sometimes lower income. Specialty veterinarians, particularly those with board certifications from ACVIM or ACVS, command much higher salaries than general practitioners, reinforcing the value of pursuing additional qualifications. Strategies for enhancing earning potential in Chicopee include seeking positions in corporate settings, considering specialty training, and exploring compensation negotiations with sign-on bonuses that can be substantial in this tightening labor market.
More salary data for Chicopee, MA:
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 $134,244 for veterinariansin the Chicopee 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 Chicopee 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