Veterinarian Salary in Milwaukie, OR: $124,006 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinarian in Milwaukie, OR earns a median $124,006/year (≈ $59.62/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1131). Once you factor in Milwaukie's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 102.6), that paycheck buys what $120,864 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 8.1% below the Oregon state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the veterinarian salary in Milwaukie, Oregon, is projected to average $124,006, offering a compensation landscape influenced significantly by the structural divide between corporate practices and independent clinics. The salaries for veterinarians range from $75,874 at the lower end to $192,209 at the high end, reflecting variances in work settings, specialties, and practice dynamics. These figures stem from estimates based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional cost factors. Given the growing trend of corporate consolidation in the veterinary field, those employed by larger corporate entities such as VCA or BluePearl may experience a different compensation model compared to independently operated practices, impacting job market participation and salary negotiations.
About the Milwaukie Market
Salary estimated from Oregon average ($134,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $75,874 | $36.48 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $99,556 | $47.86 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $124,006 | $59.62 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $155,436 | $74.73 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $192,209 | $92.41 |
Median Salary Position
9.7% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Milwaukie
In Milwaukie, OR, the veterinarian salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $116,335 (2026 est.). At $124,006, the local median is 9.7% below the national median of $137,334.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Milwaukie: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Milwaukie Veterinarian Pay Compares
Milwaukie median: $124,006/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Milwaukie Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Oregon Average | $134,935 | -8.10% less |
| National Average | $137,334 | -9.70% less |
Veterinarians in Milwaukie, OR earn a median of $124,006 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.70% lower than the national median of $137,334 and 8.10% below the Oregon state average of $134,935.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Milwaukie has a cost of living 2.60% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Milwaukie, OR has a cost-of-living index of 102.6 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $124,006 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $120,864 — a 2.53% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$86,196
2025 BLS Actual
$117,474
2026 Current Est.
$124,006
2019–2027 Growth
+51.9%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinarians in Milwaukie (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.56% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $86,196 | Actual |
| 2020 | $89,618 | Actual |
| 2021 | $90,629 | Actual |
| 2022 | $93,239 | Actual |
| 2023 | $107,542 | Actual |
| 2024 | $126,356 | Actual |
| 2025 | $117,474 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $124,006 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $130,900 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Milwaukie metropolitan area, the median veterinarian salary grew 36.3% from $86,196 (2019) to $117,474 (2025). At a 5.56% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $130,900 by 2027 — a total increase of $44,704 (51.86%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Milwaukie 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) | $75,874 – $99,556 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $99,556 – $124,006 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $124,006 – $155,436 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $155,436 – $192,209 |
DVM salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual veterinarian compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Veterinarian Job Market in Milwaukie
In Milwaukie, there are currently six veterinarians actively engaged in the field, which indicates a competitive, yet limited local job market. The cost of living index stands at 102.6, above the national average, which may influence purchasing power and salary expectations. Among various employers, corporate chains typically offer competitive pay packages, with some practices providing production-based compensation or significant sign-on bonuses that can range from $50,000 to $150,000 for new graduates. Specialized roles, such as those certified by the ACVS or ACVIM, can command significantly higher salaries compared to general practitioners due to the demand for proficiency in specific areas. To maximize veterinarian pay in Milwaukie, professionals should consider pursuing board certification, aligning with corporate entities that prioritize production-based models, and exploring practice ownership opportunities to enhance their financial outlook.
More salary data for Milwaukie, OR:
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 $117,474 for veterinariansin the Milwaukie 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 Milwaukie 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