Veterinarian Salary in Pawtucket, RI: $137,869 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinarian in Pawtucket, RI earns a median $137,869/year (≈ $66.28/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1131). Once you factor in Pawtucket's price level (1% above national, BEA RPP 100.5), that paycheck buys what $137,183 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.1% below the Rhode Island state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Pawtucket, Rhode Island, the veterinarian salary in 2026 is projected to reach a median of $137,869, slightly higher than the national median of $137,334. This robust annual compensation ranges from $79,964 at the lower end (10th percentile) to a striking $213,697 at the upper echelon (90th percentile). These estimates derive from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) state-level data, reflecting regional price parity factors. With an expected growth rate of 5.56% annually, the job market for veterinarians in Pawtucket demonstrates a steady trajectory, influenced by local demand and the increasing complexity of veterinary care, particularly among specialists who command higher premiums, primarily in fields such as surgery, internal medicine, and emergency critical care.
About the Pawtucket Market
Salary estimated from Rhode Island average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $79,964 | $38.44 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $104,216 | $50.10 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $137,869 | $66.28 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $175,093 | $84.18 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $213,697 | $102.74 |
Median Salary Position
0.39% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Pawtucket
In Pawtucket, RI, the veterinarian salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $133,733 (2026 est.). At $137,869, the local median is 0.39% above the national median of $137,334.
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At 40 hours/week in Pawtucket: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Pawtucket Veterinarian Pay Compares
Pawtucket median: $137,869/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Pawtucket Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Rhode Island Average | $138,007 | -0.10% less |
| National Average | $137,334 | +0.39% more |
Veterinarians in Pawtucket, RI earn a median of $137,869 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.39% higher than the national median of $137,334 and 0.10% below the Rhode Island state average of $138,007.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Pawtucket has a cost of living 0.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Pawtucket, RI has a cost-of-living index of 100.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $137,869 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $137,183 — a 0.5% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$95,832
2025 BLS Actual
$130,607
2026 Current Est.
$137,869
2019–2027 Growth
+51.9%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinarians in Pawtucket (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.56% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $95,832 | Actual |
| 2020 | $99,637 | Actual |
| 2021 | $100,761 | Actual |
| 2022 | $103,662 | Actual |
| 2023 | $119,564 | Actual |
| 2024 | $128,500 | Actual |
| 2025 | $130,607 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $137,869 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $145,534 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Pawtucket metropolitan area, the median veterinarian salary grew 36.3% from $95,832 (2019) to $130,607 (2025). At a 5.56% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $145,534 by 2027 — a total increase of $49,702 (51.86%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Pawtucket 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) | $79,964 – $104,216 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $104,216 – $137,869 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $137,869 – $175,093 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $175,093 – $213,697 |
DVM salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual veterinarian compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Veterinarian Job Market in Pawtucket
In this city, 16 veterinarians are currently employed, pointing to a competitive local job market, but they must also navigate a cost of living index that stands just above the national average at 100.5. This slight elevation can impact take-home pay, especially considering that corporate entities like VCA and BluePearl dominate a significant share of the market, frequently offering higher salaries compared to independent practices. Specialty hospitals or clinics offering advanced care often pay more, reflecting the premium on expertise. Factors contributing to pay disparities include the level of specialization, production-based compensation structures, and potential ownership stakes in private practice. New veterinarians should consider roles in areas with significant shortages, where sign-on bonuses of $50,000 to $150,000 are currently attractive incentives. Understanding these nuances can help veterinary professionals optimize their earning potential in Pawtucket, RI.
More salary data for Pawtucket, RI:
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 $130,607 for veterinariansin the Pawtucket 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 Pawtucket 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