Veterinarian Salary in Toms River, NJ: $155,981 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinarian in Toms River, NJ earns a median $155,981/year (≈ $74.99/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1131). Once you factor in Toms River's price level (15% above national, BEA RPP 115.2), that paycheck buys what $135,400 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.4% below the New Jersey state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Toms River, NJ, the projected veterinarian salary in 2026 stands at $155,981, reflecting a robust pay structure shaped by the production-based compensation model. Salary ranges for veterinarians here vary significantly, from $94,404 at the low end to $241,770 for the highest earners, indicative of differences in experience, specialization, and practice types. These estimates, drawn from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for the region's economic conditions, suggest an upward trajectory in veterinarian pay in Toms River that outpaces the national median of $137,334 by approximately 13.58%. This competitive salary landscape is further influenced by a growing demand for veterinary services in the area, ensuring that employment opportunities remain promising for both emerging and established veterinarians.
About the Toms River Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($134,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $94,404 | $45.39 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $124,810 | $60.00 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $155,981 | $74.99 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $195,640 | $94.05 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $241,770 | $116.23 |
Median Salary Position
13.58% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Toms River
In Toms River, NJ, the veterinarian salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $147,366 (2026 est.). At $155,981, the local median is 13.58% above the national median of $137,334.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Toms River: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Toms River Veterinarian Pay Compares
Toms River median: $155,981/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Toms River Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey Average | $158,195 | -1.40% less |
| National Average | $137,334 | +13.58% more |
Veterinarians in Toms River, NJ earn a median of $155,981 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.58% higher than the national median of $137,334 and 1.40% below the New Jersey state average of $158,195.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Toms River has a cost of living 15.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Toms River, NJ has a cost-of-living index of 115.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $155,981 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $135,400 — a 13.19% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$108,422
2025 BLS Actual
$147,765
2026 Current Est.
$155,981
2019–2027 Growth
+51.9%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinarians in Toms River (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.56% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $108,422 | Actual |
| 2020 | $112,726 | Actual |
| 2021 | $113,998 | Actual |
| 2022 | $117,281 | Actual |
| 2023 | $135,271 | Actual |
| 2024 | $152,195 | Actual |
| 2025 | $147,765 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $155,981 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $164,653 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Toms River metropolitan area, the median veterinarian salary grew 36.3% from $108,422 (2019) to $147,765 (2025). At a 5.56% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $164,653 by 2027 — a total increase of $56,231 (51.86%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Toms River 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) | $94,404 – $124,810 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $124,810 – $155,981 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $155,981 – $195,640 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $195,640 – $241,770 |
DVM salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual veterinarian compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Veterinarian Job Market in Toms River
The local job market for veterinarians in Toms River is characterized by a small but active workforce, with 17 veterinarians currently employed. However, the cost of living index at 115.2 indicates that earning potential must be carefully navigated to maintain a comfortable standard of living. Among employers in Toms River, corporate chains like VCA and BluePearl, which represent roughly 25% of the market, tend to offer higher pay compared to independent practices. Various factors drive the disparity in compensation, including specialty board certifications and production-based models where veterinarians can earn based on the revenue they generate. New graduates entering the field might find opportunities enhanced by sign-on bonuses ranging from $50,000 to $150,000 in high-demand areas. To maximize earnings in this specific market, aspiring veterinarians should consider advancing their education, pursuing specialty certifications, and exploring positions in corporate practices, where pay can substantially exceed that of traditional private clinics.
More salary data for Toms River, NJ:
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 $147,765 for veterinariansin the Toms River 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 Toms River 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