Veterinarian Salary in Bristol, VA: $113,484 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinarian in Bristol, VA earns a median $113,484/year (≈ $54.56/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1131). Once you factor in Bristol's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $109,965 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 10.4% below the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Bristol, Virginia, the projected median annual salary for veterinarians in 2026 is $113,484, reflecting a significant disparity when compared to the national average of $137,334. Local veterinarians can expect to earn between $68,649 and $175,901 annually, highlighting the broad salary spectrum characteristic of this profession. These figures consider both state-level data and regional cost adjustments, providing insight into the evolving market for veterinary services in Bristol. The potential for increased compensation through specialty board certification in areas such as surgery, internal medicine, or emergency care creates a lucrative avenue for veterinarians looking to enhance their earnings in this competitive landscape.
About the Bristol Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($118,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $68,649 | $33.01 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $90,446 | $43.48 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $113,484 | $54.56 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $141,752 | $68.15 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $175,901 | $84.56 |
Median Salary Position
17.37% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Bristol
In Bristol, VA, the veterinarian salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $107,252 (2026 est.). At $113,484, the local median is 17.37% 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: $113,484/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Bristol Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $126,657 | -10.40% less |
| National Average | $137,334 | -17.37% less |
Veterinarians in Bristol, VA earn a median of $113,484 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.37% lower than the national median of $137,334 and 10.40% below the Virginia state average of $126,657.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Bristol has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Bristol, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $113,484 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $109,965 — a 3.1% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$78,883
2025 BLS Actual
$107,507
2026 Current Est.
$113,484
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 | $78,883 | Actual |
| 2020 | $82,014 | Actual |
| 2021 | $82,940 | Actual |
| 2022 | $85,328 | Actual |
| 2023 | $98,417 | Actual |
| 2024 | $117,102 | Actual |
| 2025 | $107,507 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $113,484 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $119,794 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Bristol metropolitan area, the median veterinarian salary grew 36.3% from $78,883 (2019) to $107,507 (2025). At a 5.56% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $119,794 by 2027 — a total increase of $40,911 (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) | $68,649 – $90,446 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $90,446 – $113,484 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $113,484 – $141,752 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $141,752 – $175,901 |
DVM salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual veterinarian compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Veterinarian Job Market in Bristol
The local job market in Bristol currently supports six veterinarians, revealing a relatively small but stable community of practitioners. With a cost-of-living index of 103.2, the economic environment suggests that take-home salaries may be slightly less impactful, prompting veterinarians to strategize for maximum financial gains. Among local employers, corporate chains like VCA and BluePearl, which represent approximately 25% of the market, often provide higher pay scales, especially for newer veterinarians. In contrast, independent practices, while integral to the community, may not match these compensation levels. The spread between lower and higher salaries is influenced by factors such as production-based compensation models, the value of specialty certifications, and potential sign-on bonuses that can range from $50,000 to $150,000 in underserved areas. To optimize their earning potential, veterinarians in Bristol should consider pursuing specialized training, exploring roles in corporate settings, and negotiating their compensation packages effectively.
More salary data for Bristol, VA:
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 $107,507 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