Veterinarian Salary in Bozeman, MT: $102,847 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinarian in Bozeman, MT earns a median $102,847/year (≈ $49.44/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1131). Once you factor in Bozeman's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 102.5), that paycheck buys what $100,329 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 22.2% below the Montana state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, the compensation for veterinarians in Bozeman, Montana, is projected at a median annual salary of $102,847, closely reflecting the economic dynamics impacted by the structural divide between corporate and independent veterinary practices. This field showcases a broader salary range, with entry-level positions at the 10th percentile earning $67,770 and seasoned professionals in the 90th percentile making as much as $205,747. Data for these figures originates from surveys conducted by the official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), underscoring the variability in income potential based on factors like practice type, specialization, and ownership structures. As the job market in Bozeman adapts to ongoing shifts in corporate consolidation, understanding how these influences shape salary expectations is essential for current and prospective veterinarians.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $67,770 | $32.58 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $81,524 | $39.19 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $102,847 | $49.44 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $139,255 | $66.95 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $205,747 | $98.92 |
Median Salary Position
25.11% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Bozeman
In Bozeman, MT, the veterinarian salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $137,977 (2026 est.). At $102,847, the local median is 25.11% below the national median of $137,334.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Bozeman: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Bozeman Veterinarian Pay Compares
Bozeman median: $102,847/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Bozeman Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Montana Average | $132,194 | -22.20% less |
| National Average | $137,334 | -25.11% less |
Veterinarians in Bozeman, MT earn a median of $102,847 per year (2026 est.), which is 25.11% lower than the national median of $137,334 and 22.20% below the Montana state average of $132,194.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Bozeman has a cost of living 2.51% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Bozeman, MT has a cost-of-living index of 102.51 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $102,847 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $100,329 — a 2.45% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$71,489
2025 BLS Actual
$97,430
2026 Current Est.
$102,847
2019–2027 Growth
+51.9%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinarians in Bozeman (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.56% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $71,489 | Actual |
| 2020 | $74,327 | Actual |
| 2021 | $75,166 | Actual |
| 2022 | $77,330 | Actual |
| 2023 | $89,192 | Actual |
| 2024 | $89,450 | Actual |
| 2025 | $97,430 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $102,847 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $108,565 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Bozeman metropolitan area, the median veterinarian salary grew 36.3% from $71,489 (2019) to $97,430 (2025). At a 5.56% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $108,565 by 2027 — a total increase of $37,076 (51.86%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bozeman 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) | $67,770 – $81,524 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $81,524 – $102,847 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $102,847 – $139,255 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $139,255 – $205,747 |
DVM salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual veterinarian compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Veterinarian Job Market in Bozeman
With approximately 100 veterinarians employed in the Bozeman area, the local job market appears solid, yet the cost of living is moderately above the national average, indicated by a cost-of-living index of 102.51. This can affect take-home purchasing power, making it crucial for veterinarians to consider their compensation packages holistically. Corporate chains like VCA and BluePearl, which comprise about 25% of the market, often provide higher salaries compared to independent practices, particularly for roles demanding specialty board certification in areas such as surgery or internal medicine. Factors driving the disparity in veterinarian pay in Bozeman, MT, include production-based compensation models, ownership stakes in practices, and lucrative sign-on bonuses currently ranging from $50,000 to $150,000 for new graduates in high-demand areas. For veterinarians looking to maximize their earning potential in Bozeman, gaining specialized experience and considering corporate opportunities might provide the best pathways to improved financial rewards.
More salary data for Bozeman, MT:
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 $97,430 for veterinariansin the Bozeman 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 2-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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