Veterinarian Salary in Austin, MN: $129,794 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinarian in Austin, MN earns a median $129,794/year (≈ $62.40/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1131). Once you factor in Austin's price level (1% below national, BEA RPP 98.5), that paycheck buys what $131,771 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.4% below the Minnesota state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, veterinarians in Austin, Minnesota can expect a median annual salary of $129,794, reflecting local adjustments based on BLS state-level data and regional price parities. The salary range varies significantly, extending from $75,281 at the 10th percentile to $201,182 at the 90th percentile. The compensation for veterinarian pay in Austin MN is competitive compared to the national median of $137,334 but is slightly lower by approximately 5.49%. The differences in salaries can often be attributed to the structures of veterinary practices in the area, where corporate entities may offer different pay scales compared to independent practices, impacting the overall financial picture for veterinarians in the city.
About the Austin Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($124,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $75,281 | $36.20 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $99,277 | $47.73 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $129,794 | $62.40 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $162,017 | $77.89 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $201,182 | $96.72 |
Median Salary Position
5.49% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Austin
In Austin, MN, the veterinarian salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $125,901 (2026 est.). At $129,794, the local median is 5.49% below the national median of $137,334.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Austin: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Austin Veterinarian Pay Compares
Austin median: $129,794/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Austin Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota Average | $137,203 | -5.40% less |
| National Average | $137,334 | -5.49% less |
Veterinarians in Austin, MN earn a median of $129,794 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.49% lower than the national median of $137,334 and 5.40% below the Minnesota state average of $137,203.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Austin has a cost of living 1.50% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Austin, MN has a cost-of-living index of 98.5 (below the national average of 100). A veterinarian earning $129,794 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $131,771 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.52% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$90,220
2025 BLS Actual
$122,958
2026 Current Est.
$129,794
2019–2027 Growth
+51.9%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinarians in Austin (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.56% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $90,220 | Actual |
| 2020 | $93,802 | Actual |
| 2021 | $94,860 | Actual |
| 2022 | $97,591 | Actual |
| 2023 | $112,562 | Actual |
| 2024 | $115,523 | Actual |
| 2025 | $122,958 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $129,794 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $137,011 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Austin metropolitan area, the median veterinarian salary grew 36.3% from $90,220 (2019) to $122,958 (2025). At a 5.56% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $137,011 by 2027 — a total increase of $46,791 (51.86%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Austin 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) | $75,281 – $99,277 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $99,277 – $129,794 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $129,794 – $162,017 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $162,017 – $201,182 |
DVM salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual veterinarian compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Veterinarian Job Market in Austin
With only four veterinarians employed locally, the demand for qualified professionals in Austin presents a unique situation. The cost of living index stands at 98.5, suggesting that despite a lower-than-average salary, veterinarians can maintain a relatively decent purchasing power compared to national averages. Among local employers, specialty referral hospitals and corporate chains, such as VCA and BluePearl, are often at the top of the pay scale, while general practice clinics typically offer less. Variability in compensation can also stem from factors like specialty certifications, production-based pay structures, and the ability to negotiate sign-on bonuses, which can reach as high as $150,000 for veterinarians entering shortage areas. For those aiming to maximize their earnings in this market, pursuing specialty training, seeking positions in corporate practices, or exploring opportunities in high-demand areas will be key strategies.
More salary data for Austin, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do veterinarians make in Austin, MN in 2026?
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Can veterinarians make $100K in Austin?
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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 $122,958 for veterinariansin the Austin 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 Austin 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