Veterinarian Salary in Lowell, MA: $142,822 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinarian in Lowell, MA earns a median $142,822/year (≈ $68.67/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1131). Once you factor in Lowell's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 108.5), that paycheck buys what $131,633 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.3% above the Massachusetts state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Lowell, Massachusetts, veterinarians earn a median salary of $142,822 in 2026, outpacing the national median of $137,334 by 4.00%. The salary range for this occupation extends from $84,065 at the 10th percentile to $221,373 at the 90th percentile, reflecting the diverse opportunities available in the local job market. This variance in pay can often be attributed to the structural differences between corporate chains, such as VCA and BluePearl, and independently owned practices. Factors like corporate pay scales, production-based compensation, and the growing trend of corporate consolidation impact the earnings potential for veterinarians in Lowell. As the veterinary market continues to evolve, those entering the profession may find a clearer picture of compensation dynamics shaped by these influences.
About the Lowell Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($142,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $84,065 | $40.42 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $112,639 | $54.15 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $142,822 | $68.67 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $182,812 | $87.89 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $221,373 | $106.43 |
Median Salary Position
4.00% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lowell
In Lowell, MA, the veterinarian salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $137,308 (2026 est.). At $142,822, the local median is 4% above the national median of $137,334.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Lowell: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Lowell Veterinarian Pay Compares
Lowell median: $142,822/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Lowell Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Average | $142,394 | +0.30% more |
| National Average | $137,334 | +4.00% more |
Veterinarians in Lowell, MA earn a median of $142,822 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.00% higher than the national median of $137,334 and 0.30% above the Massachusetts state average of $142,394.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Lowell has a cost of living 8.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Lowell, MA has a cost-of-living index of 108.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $142,822 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $131,633 — a 7.83% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$99,275
2025 BLS Actual
$135,299
2026 Current Est.
$142,822
2019–2027 Growth
+51.9%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinarians in Lowell (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.56% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $99,275 | Actual |
| 2020 | $103,216 | Actual |
| 2021 | $104,381 | Actual |
| 2022 | $107,386 | Actual |
| 2023 | $123,859 | Actual |
| 2024 | $154,497 | Actual |
| 2025 | $135,299 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $142,822 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $150,763 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Lowell metropolitan area, the median veterinarian salary grew 36.3% from $99,275 (2019) to $135,299 (2025). At a 5.56% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $150,763 by 2027 — a total increase of $51,488 (51.86%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lowell 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) | $84,065 – $112,639 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $112,639 – $142,822 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $142,822 – $182,812 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $182,812 – $221,373 |
DVM salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual veterinarian compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Veterinarian Job Market in Lowell
The local employment landscape indicates that there are currently 29 veterinarians practicing in Lowell, which signifies a stable market for this profession. However, the cost of living index stands at 108.5, indicating that household expenses are above the national average and may affect take-home pay. Among local employers, specialty referral hospitals and corporate chains typically offer the highest salaries, particularly for veterinarians with advanced certifications in fields like surgery and internal medicine. Conversely, general practitioners often find themselves on the lower end of the pay scale. The income disparity is driven by certification levels, practice ownership stakes, and enticing sign-on bonuses, currently ranging from $50,000 to $150,000 for new graduates in high-demand areas. To maximize compensation in Lowell, it is advisable for veterinarians to pursue specialty certifications, consider roles in corporate practices, and engage actively in continuing education and networking within the community, as these strategies can enhance financial outcomes in a competitive market.
More salary data for Lowell, 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 $135,299 for veterinariansin the Lowell 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 Lowell 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