Veterinarian Salary in New Bedford, MA: $143,489 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinarian in New Bedford, MA earns a median $143,489/year (≈ $68.98/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1131). Once you factor in New Bedford's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 108.5), that paycheck buys what $132,248 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.7% above the Massachusetts state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, veterinarians in New Bedford, Massachusetts, can expect a median annual salary of $143,489, which is slightly above the national median of $137,334. The salary range for this profession spans from $85,501 at the 10th percentile to $222,408 at the 90th percentile, reflecting a diverse job market that accommodates varying levels of specialty and experience. These figures, derived from state-level BLS data and adjusted for local economic conditions, highlight the financial potential within the field. As local demand grows and corporate consolidation continues to shape the veterinary landscape, the opportunities for salary enhancement become increasingly visible, particularly for those pursuing specialty board certifications in areas such as surgery, internal medicine, or emergency and critical care.
About the New Bedford Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($142,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $85,501 | $41.11 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $113,956 | $54.79 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $143,489 | $68.98 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $182,040 | $87.52 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $222,408 | $106.92 |
Median Salary Position
4.48% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in New Bedford
In New Bedford, MA, the veterinarian salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $136,907 (2026 est.). At $143,489, the local median is 4.48% above the national median of $137,334.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in New Bedford: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How New Bedford Veterinarian Pay Compares
New Bedford median: $143,489/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | New Bedford Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Average | $142,491 | +0.70% more |
| National Average | $137,334 | +4.48% more |
Veterinarians in New Bedford, MA earn a median of $143,489 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.48% higher than the national median of $137,334 and 0.70% above the Massachusetts state average of $142,491.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
New Bedford has a cost of living 8.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
New Bedford, MA has a cost-of-living index of 108.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $143,489 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $132,248 — a 7.83% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$96,960
2025 BLS Actual
$135,931
2026 Current Est.
$143,489
2019–2027 Growth
+56.2%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinarians in New Bedford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.56% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $96,960 | Actual |
| 2020 | $103,698 | Actual |
| 2021 | $96,650 | Actual |
| 2022 | $107,888 | Actual |
| 2023 | $124,438 | Actual |
| 2024 | $155,219 | Actual |
| 2025 | $135,931 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $143,489 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $151,467 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the New Bedford metropolitan area, the median veterinarian salary grew 40.2% from $96,960 (2019) to $135,931 (2025). At a 5.56% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $151,467 by 2027 — a total increase of $54,507 (56.22%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the New Bedford 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) | $85,501 – $113,956 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $113,956 – $143,489 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $143,489 – $182,040 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $182,040 – $222,408 |
DVM salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual veterinarian compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Veterinarian Job Market in New Bedford
Evaluating the local job market, New Bedford employs 24 veterinarians, indicating a tight-knit professional community. With a cost-of-living index of 108.5, the economic reality for veterinarians means that compensation must account for relatively higher living expenses compared to the national average. Among local employers, corporate chains like VCA, BluePearl, and NVA present notable pay structures, often capturing around 25% of the market. Factors influencing salary variance include board certification and production-based compensation, which can significantly escalate earnings; veterinarians with specialized credentials in surgery or internal medicine typically command 2-3 times the pay of general practitioners. To maximize remuneration in this market, new veterinarians should consider roles in corporate settings, pursue sign-on bonuses—which can range from $50,000 to $150,000 in areas with labor shortages—and explore the benefits of practice ownership to ensure long-term financial success in their careers in New Bedford, MA.
More salary data for New Bedford, 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 $135,931 for veterinariansin the New Bedford 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 New Bedford 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