Veterinarian Salary in Oak Ridge, TN: $126,219 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinarian in Oak Ridge, TN earns a median $126,219/year (≈ $60.69/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1131). Once you factor in Oak Ridge's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 91.8), that paycheck buys what $137,493 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.9% below the Tennessee state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Oak Ridge, Tennessee, the 2026 projected median annual salary for veterinarians stands at $126,219, reflecting a distinct divergence from the national median of $137,334. The local salary range varies significantly, with entry-level positions earning as little as $73,207 while experienced veterinarians can command up to $195,640 annually. These figures are informed by local estimates derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for the area's regional price parity. The compensation structure here often reflects the growing corporate consolidation trend, influencing pay scales and potential benefits when comparing corporate practices to independent ones.
About the Oak Ridge Market
Salary estimated from Tennessee average ($106,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $73,207 | $35.19 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $97,256 | $46.75 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $126,219 | $60.69 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $158,245 | $76.08 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $195,640 | $94.05 |
Median Salary Position
8.09% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Oak Ridge
In Oak Ridge, TN, the veterinarian salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $122,433 (2026 est.). At $126,219, the local median is 8.09% below the national median of $137,334.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Oak Ridge: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Oak Ridge Veterinarian Pay Compares
Oak Ridge median: $126,219/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Oak Ridge Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee Average | $128,664 | -1.90% less |
| National Average | $137,334 | -8.09% less |
Veterinarians in Oak Ridge, TN earn a median of $126,219 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.09% lower than the national median of $137,334 and 1.90% below the Tennessee state average of $128,664.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Oak Ridge has a cost of living 8.20% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Oak Ridge, TN has a cost-of-living index of 91.8 (below the national average of 100). A veterinarian earning $126,219 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $137,493 in an average-cost city — an effective 8.93% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$87,734
2025 BLS Actual
$119,571
2026 Current Est.
$126,219
2019–2027 Growth
+51.9%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinarians in Oak Ridge (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.56% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $87,734 | Actual |
| 2020 | $91,218 | Actual |
| 2021 | $92,247 | Actual |
| 2022 | $94,903 | Actual |
| 2023 | $109,461 | Actual |
| 2024 | $95,472 | Actual |
| 2025 | $119,571 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $126,219 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $133,237 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Oak Ridge metropolitan area, the median veterinarian salary grew 36.3% from $87,734 (2019) to $119,571 (2025). At a 5.56% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $133,237 by 2027 — a total increase of $45,503 (51.86%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Oak Ridge 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) | $73,207 – $97,256 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $97,256 – $126,219 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $126,219 – $158,245 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $158,245 – $195,640 |
DVM salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual veterinarian compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Veterinarian Job Market in Oak Ridge
Examining the job market in Oak Ridge, only six veterinarians are currently employed, which creates a microcosm of competition and opportunity. With a cost-of-living index of 91.8, the affordability factor impacts take-home purchasing power, possibly enhancing the appeal of local salaries. While corporate chains such as VCA and BluePearl dominate a portion of the market, independent clinics may offer more attractive ownership opportunities and non-production-based comp models. Factors contributing to the wide salary spectrum include specialties that command higher pay, potential production-based incentives, and benefits related to firm equity. Veterinarians looking to maximize their earning potential in Oak Ridge should consider pursuing additional board certifications, network effectively, and explore opportunities for sign-on bonuses that are prevalent in the current market.
More salary data for Oak Ridge, TN:
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 $119,571 for veterinariansin the Oak Ridge 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 Oak Ridge 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