Veterinarian Salary in Hernando, MS: $110,797 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinarian in Hernando, MS earns a median $110,797/year (≈ $53.27/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1131). Once you factor in Hernando's price level (14% below national, BEA RPP 85.7), that paycheck buys what $129,285 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.9% below the Mississippi state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With a projected median annual salary of $110,797 in 2026, veterinarians in Hernando, Mississippi, earn significantly less than their counterparts nationwide, where the median reaches $137,334. The local salary range varies considerably, from $64,262 at the 10th percentile to $171,736 at the 90th percentile, reflecting the different work settings and experience levels among veterinarians. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional costs, highlight the structural divide present in veterinary practice in the area. Corporate versus independent practice structures play a crucial role in determining pay scales and growth opportunities, with corporate chains often providing standardized salaries that can vary widely from independent practice compensation.
About the Hernando Market
Salary estimated from Mississippi average ($90,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $64,262 | $30.90 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $89,708 | $43.13 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $110,797 | $53.27 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $139,550 | $67.09 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $171,736 | $82.57 |
Median Salary Position
19.32% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Hernando
In Hernando, MS, the veterinarian salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $107,474 (2026 est.). At $110,797, the local median is 19.32% below the national median of $137,334.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Hernando: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Hernando Veterinarian Pay Compares
Hernando median: $110,797/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Hernando Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Mississippi Average | $117,744 | -5.90% less |
| National Average | $137,334 | -19.32% less |
Veterinarians in Hernando, MS earn a median of $110,797 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.32% lower than the national median of $137,334 and 5.90% below the Mississippi state average of $117,744.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Hernando has a cost of living 14.30% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Hernando, MS has a cost-of-living index of 85.7 (below the national average of 100). A veterinarian earning $110,797 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $129,285 in an average-cost city — an effective 16.69% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$77,014
2025 BLS Actual
$104,961
2026 Current Est.
$110,797
2019–2027 Growth
+51.9%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinarians in Hernando (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.56% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $77,014 | Actual |
| 2020 | $80,072 | Actual |
| 2021 | $80,976 | Actual |
| 2022 | $83,307 | Actual |
| 2023 | $96,087 | Actual |
| 2024 | $72,610 | Actual |
| 2025 | $104,961 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $110,797 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $116,957 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Hernando metropolitan area, the median veterinarian salary grew 36.3% from $77,014 (2019) to $104,961 (2025). At a 5.56% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $116,957 by 2027 — a total increase of $39,943 (51.86%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hernando 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) | $64,262 – $89,708 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $89,708 – $110,797 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $110,797 – $139,550 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $139,550 – $171,736 |
DVM salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual veterinarian compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Veterinarian Job Market in Hernando
In Hernando, where only six veterinarians are currently employed, the local job market presents unique challenges and opportunities. The cost of living index at 85.7 suggests that while salaries may seem lower, the purchasing power for residents can be favorable. Employers such as corporate clinics, including VCA and BluePearl, dominate about 25% of the market, often offering competitive salaries compared to independent or rural mixed practices. The disparities within pay are driven by factors such as specialty board certification in surgery or internal medicine, production-based compensation models, and the potential for sign-on bonuses ranging from $50,000 to $150,000 for new graduates in underserved areas. To maximize earnings in Hernando, veterinarians should consider seeking specialized training and exploring opportunities within corporate structures, as these routes can lead to higher compensation and career advancement than general practice roles alone.
More salary data for Hernando, MS:
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 $104,961 for veterinariansin the Hernando 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 Hernando 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