Veterinarian Salary in Akron, OH: $137,619 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinarian in Akron, OH earns a median $137,619/year (≈ $66.17/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1131). Once you factor in Akron's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 93.4), that paycheck buys what $147,391 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.4% above the Ohio state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Akron, Ohio, the veterinarian salary averages $137,619 in 2026, slightly exceeding the national median of $137,334. Salaries can vary significantly, ranging from $61,900 for the lowest percentiles to $224,959 for the most experienced and specialized professionals. This data, derived from 2025 BLS OEWS surveys and projected into 2026, reflects the impact of both corporate and independent practice dynamics on compensation in the local market. As large corporate practices, such as VCA and BluePearl, gain a greater share of the field, their standardized pay structures often influence overall salary trends. This consolidation could result in greater variability among independent practices, leading to unique compensation packages that reflect their operational designs and community ties.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $61,900 | $29.76 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $104,663 | $50.32 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $137,619 | $66.17 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $171,123 | $82.27 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $224,959 | $108.16 |
Median Salary Position
0.21% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Akron
In Akron, OH, the veterinarian salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $163,059 (2026 est.). At $137,619, the local median is 0.21% above the national median of $137,334.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Akron: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Akron Veterinarian Pay Compares
Akron median: $137,619/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Akron Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Ohio Average | $134,393 | +2.40% more |
| National Average | $137,334 | +0.21% more |
Veterinarians in Akron, OH earn a median of $137,619 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.21% higher than the national median of $137,334 and 2.40% above the Ohio state average of $134,393.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Akron has a cost of living 6.63% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Akron, OH has a cost-of-living index of 93.37 (below the national average of 100). A veterinarian earning $137,619 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $147,391 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.1% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$116,650
2025 BLS Actual
$130,370
2026 Current Est.
$137,619
2019–2027 Growth
+24.5%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinarians in Akron (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.56% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $116,650 | Actual |
| 2020 | $118,160 | Actual |
| 2021 | $98,960 | Actual |
| 2022 | $103,500 | Actual |
| 2023 | $103,460 | Actual |
| 2024 | $123,650 | Actual |
| 2025 | $130,370 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $137,619 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $145,270 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Akron metropolitan area, the median veterinarian salary grew 11.8% from $116,650 (2019) to $130,370 (2025). At a 5.56% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $145,270 by 2027 — a total increase of $28,620 (24.53%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Akron 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) | $61,900 – $104,663 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $104,663 – $137,619 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $137,619 – $171,123 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $171,123 – $224,959 |
DVM salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual veterinarian compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Veterinarian Job Market in Akron
Looking deeper into Akron's local job market, there are approximately 230 veterinarians practicing in the area, offering a stable employment environment despite varying pay scales. With a cost-of-living index of 93.37—meaning it's below the national average—veterinarians can enjoy a modestly favorable purchasing power compared to their earnings. Among local employers, specialty referral hospitals and large animal practices tend to offer the highest salaries, often necessitating advanced qualifications like board certification in surgery or internal medicine. Factors driving the pay gap include the increasing importance of production-based compensation models and the potential for significant sign-on bonuses, ranging from $50,000 to $150,000 for new graduates in some sectors. To maximize earnings, veterinarians in Akron may consider pursuing specialty certifications, exploring partnerships in independent practices, or negotiating compensation packages that include production incentives or ownership stakes.
More salary data for Akron, OH:
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 $130,370 for veterinariansin the Akron 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