Veterinarian Salary in Lexington, MA: $136,336 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinarian in Lexington, MA earns a median $136,336/year (≈ $65.54/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1131). Once you factor in Lexington's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 108.5), that paycheck buys what $125,655 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.3% below the Massachusetts state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the average veterinarian in Lexington, Massachusetts, can expect an annual salary of $136,336, closely aligning with the national average of $137,334, reflecting a minimal variance of -0.73%. The compensation spectrum ranges significantly from $82,458 at the lower end (P10) to $211,321 at the high end (P90), showcasing the diverse earning potential based on experience, specialization, and workplace settings. These figures derive from estimates based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional economic conditions and the local cost of living. Considering the specialized nature of veterinary work and potential shifts towards corporate practice models, Lexington presents an intriguing job market for both seasoned professionals and new graduates alike.
About the Lexington Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($142,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $82,458 | $39.65 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $109,264 | $52.53 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $136,336 | $65.54 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $172,077 | $82.73 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $211,321 | $101.60 |
Median Salary Position
0.73% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lexington
In Lexington, MA, the veterinarian salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $128,863 (2026 est.). At $136,336, the local median is 0.73% below the national median of $137,334.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Lexington: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Lexington Veterinarian Pay Compares
Lexington median: $136,336/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Lexington Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Average | $142,462 | -4.30% less |
| National Average | $137,334 | -0.73% less |
Veterinarians in Lexington, MA earn a median of $136,336 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.73% lower than the national median of $137,334 and 4.30% below the Massachusetts state average of $142,462.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Lexington has a cost of living 8.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Lexington, MA has a cost-of-living index of 108.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $136,336 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $125,655 — a 7.83% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$94,767
2025 BLS Actual
$129,155
2026 Current Est.
$136,336
2019–2027 Growth
+51.9%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinarians in Lexington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.56% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $94,767 | Actual |
| 2020 | $98,529 | Actual |
| 2021 | $99,641 | Actual |
| 2022 | $102,510 | Actual |
| 2023 | $118,235 | Actual |
| 2024 | $147,481 | Actual |
| 2025 | $129,155 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $136,336 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $143,916 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Lexington metropolitan area, the median veterinarian salary grew 36.3% from $94,767 (2019) to $129,155 (2025). At a 5.56% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $143,916 by 2027 — a total increase of $49,149 (51.86%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lexington 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) | $82,458 – $109,264 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $109,264 – $136,336 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $136,336 – $172,077 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $172,077 – $211,321 |
DVM salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual veterinarian compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Veterinarian Job Market in Lexington
The local landscape features a modest number of employed veterinarians, with only six practitioners in the area, underscoring a specific market scenario for animal healthcare. The cost of living in Lexington registers at 108.5, indicating higher living expenses compared to the national average, which can affect take-home pay. Among local employers, corporate chains such as VCA and BluePearl tend to offer competitive salaries and additional incentives, while independent practices may provide alternatives in terms of work-life balance and ownership potential. Critical factors influencing pay disparities include the level of specialty board certification, production-based compensation methods, and potential sign-on bonuses that can range from $50,000 to $150,000 for new graduates in high-demand areas. For veterinarians aiming to maximize their earnings in this environment, pursuing specialization, engaging in corporate practices, or considering ownership opportunities in independent setups are strategic moves that can lead to enhanced financial outcomes.
More salary data for Lexington, 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 $129,155 for veterinariansin the Lexington 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 Lexington 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