Veterinarian Salary in Utica, NY: $133,343 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinarian in Utica, NY earns a median $133,343/year (≈ $64.11/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1131). Once you factor in Utica's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 92.7), that paycheck buys what $143,878 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.0% below the New York state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, the projected median annual salary for veterinarians in Utica, NY, is estimated to be $133,343, slightly below the national median of $137,334. The full salary range spans from $102,467 at the 10th percentile to $209,368 at the 90th percentile. Such data is derived from 2025 BLS OEWS surveys, highlighting the steady demand for veterinarians in this region. With an increasing number of specialty-trained veterinarians like those certified by ACVIM and ACVS, salaries are often subject to a premium gradient, rewarding those with advanced credentials. Therefore, as Utica's veterinary market evolves, those with specialized training can expect to see meaningful compensation advancements reflective of their expertise.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $102,467 | $49.26 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $109,730 | $52.76 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $133,343 | $64.11 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $145,018 | $69.72 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $209,368 | $100.66 |
Median Salary Position
2.91% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Utica
In Utica, NY, the veterinarian salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $106,901 (2026 est.). At $133,343, the local median is 2.91% below the national median of $137,334.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Utica: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Utica Veterinarian Pay Compares
Utica median: $133,343/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Utica Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New York Average | $134,690 | -1.00% less |
| National Average | $137,334 | -2.91% less |
Veterinarians in Utica, NY earn a median of $133,343 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.91% lower than the national median of $137,334 and 1.00% below the New York state average of $134,690.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Utica has a cost of living 7.32% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Utica, NY has a cost-of-living index of 92.678 (below the national average of 100). A veterinarian earning $133,343 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $143,878 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.9% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$102,640
2025 BLS Actual
$126,320
2026 Current Est.
$133,343
2019–2027 Growth
+37.1%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinarians in Utica (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.56% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $102,640 | Actual |
| 2020 | $99,740 | Actual |
| 2021 | $99,180 | Actual |
| 2022 | $101,960 | Actual |
| 2023 | $106,250 | Actual |
| 2024 | $125,970 | Actual |
| 2025 | $126,320 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $133,343 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $140,757 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Utica metropolitan area, the median veterinarian salary grew 23.1% from $102,640 (2019) to $126,320 (2025). At a 5.56% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $140,757 by 2027 — a total increase of $38,117 (37.14%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Utica 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) | $102,467 – $109,730 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $109,730 – $133,343 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $133,343 – $145,018 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $145,018 – $209,368 |
DVM salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual veterinarian compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Veterinarian Job Market in Utica
While there are currently around 60 veterinarians employed in Utica, the local job market displays a competitive edge alongside a cost-of-living index of 92.678, indicating that overall expenses tend to be lower than the national average. This dynamic allows for improved purchasing power concerning veterinarian pay in Utica, NY. Major employers in the area include corporate chains like VCA and BluePearl, which collectively make up around 25% of the market. In general, these organizations may offer higher remuneration compared to independent practices. Factors driving disparities in compensation include production-based models, specialty qualifications, and revenue-sharing arrangements, alongside significant sign-on bonuses ranging from $50,000 to $150,000 in shortage areas. To maximize earnings in this specific market, aspiring and current veterinarians should consider pursuing board certifications, exploring corporate versus independent roles, and engaging in continuing education to enhance their skill sets and marketability.
More salary data for Utica, NY:
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 $126,320 for veterinariansin the Utica 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, 7-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