Veterinarian Salary in Bristol, RI: $130,657 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinarian in Bristol, RI earns a median $130,657/year (≈ $62.82/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1131). Once you factor in Bristol's price level (1% above national, BEA RPP 100.5), that paycheck buys what $130,007 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.3% below the Rhode Island state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, veterinarians in Bristol, Rhode Island can expect to earn a median salary of $130,657, which reflects a 4.86% decrease compared to the national median of $137,334. The salary range extends from $75,782 at the 10th percentile to $202,518 at the 90th percentile, indicating a broad variance in compensation levels. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS data adjusted for regional cost variations, highlight the underlying trend of production-based compensation models in veterinary practices, whereby pay often correlates with the revenue generated. Given the corporate consolidation trend in the industry, Bristol's specific market conditions may favor veterinarians who are adept at navigating these dynamics to maximize earnings.
About the Bristol Market
Salary estimated from Rhode Island average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $75,782 | $36.43 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $101,557 | $48.82 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $130,657 | $62.82 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $158,010 | $75.96 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $202,518 | $97.37 |
Median Salary Position
4.86% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Bristol
In Bristol, RI, the veterinarian salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $126,736 (2026 est.). At $130,657, the local median is 4.86% below the national median of $137,334.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Bristol: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Bristol Veterinarian Pay Compares
Bristol median: $130,657/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Bristol Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Rhode Island Average | $137,969 | -5.30% less |
| National Average | $137,334 | -4.86% less |
Veterinarians in Bristol, RI earn a median of $130,657 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.86% lower than the national median of $137,334 and 5.30% below the Rhode Island state average of $137,969.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Bristol has a cost of living 0.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Bristol, RI has a cost-of-living index of 100.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $130,657 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $130,007 — a 0.5% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$90,819
2025 BLS Actual
$123,775
2026 Current Est.
$130,657
2019–2027 Growth
+51.9%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinarians in Bristol (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.56% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $90,819 | Actual |
| 2020 | $94,425 | Actual |
| 2021 | $95,490 | Actual |
| 2022 | $98,240 | Actual |
| 2023 | $113,310 | Actual |
| 2024 | $121,778 | Actual |
| 2025 | $123,775 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $130,657 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $137,921 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Bristol metropolitan area, the median veterinarian salary grew 36.3% from $90,819 (2019) to $123,775 (2025). At a 5.56% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $137,921 by 2027 — a total increase of $47,102 (51.86%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bristol 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) | $75,782 – $101,557 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $101,557 – $130,657 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $130,657 – $158,010 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $158,010 – $202,518 |
DVM salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual veterinarian compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Veterinarian Job Market in Bristol
The job market for veterinarians in Bristol shows signs of strength, with five professionals currently employed in the area. However, the cost of living index at 100.5 suggests slightly elevated expenses compared to the national average, influencing take-home purchasing power. Corporate chains such as VCA and BluePearl dominate about 25% of the market, often offering competitive salaries, particularly for veterinarians specializing in small animal care. Variations in pay can also be influenced by factors such as board certification in specialties like surgery or internal medicine, which significantly boosts earning potential. To maximize pay in this market, veterinarians should consider pursuing board certifications and exploring corporate employment avenues that typically offer higher salaries and potential sign-on bonuses, especially in shortage areas. Understanding the nuances of compensation structures, including partnerships and production-based pay, can further enhance financial outcomes for veterinarians in Bristol, RI.
More salary data for Bristol, RI:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can veterinarians make $100K in Bristol?
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Related Pages
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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 $123,775 for veterinariansin the Bristol 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 Bristol 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