Veterinarian Salary in Chesapeake, VA: $129,293 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinarian in Chesapeake, VA earns a median $129,293/year (≈ $62.16/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1131). Once you factor in Chesapeake's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $125,284 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.1% above the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Veterinarians in Chesapeake, Virginia, can expect a median annual salary of $129,293 in 2026, which is slightly below the national average of $137,334 for the same year. The salary range for this profession here varies substantially, from as low as $74,990 at the 10th percentile to as high as $200,405 at the 90th percentile, reflecting different levels of experience, expertise, and practice types. These figures, derived from BLS state-level data adjusted for regional cost variances, illustrate Chesapeake's competitive landscape for veterinary professionals. Given the rising demand for veterinary services and the increasing complexity of animal care, particularly in specialized practices, the job market in this area is robust and evolving to meet these needs.
About the Chesapeake Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($118,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $74,990 | $36.05 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $102,174 | $49.12 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $129,293 | $62.16 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $165,495 | $79.56 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $200,405 | $96.34 |
Median Salary Position
5.86% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Chesapeake
In Chesapeake, VA, the veterinarian salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $125,415 (2026 est.). At $129,293, the local median is 5.86% below the national median of $137,334.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Chesapeake: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Chesapeake Veterinarian Pay Compares
Chesapeake median: $129,293/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Chesapeake Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $126,634 | +2.10% more |
| National Average | $137,334 | -5.86% less |
Veterinarians in Chesapeake, VA earn a median of $129,293 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.86% lower than the national median of $137,334 and 2.10% above the Virginia state average of $126,634.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Chesapeake has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Chesapeake, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $129,293 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $125,284 — a 3.1% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$89,871
2025 BLS Actual
$122,483
2026 Current Est.
$129,293
2019–2027 Growth
+51.9%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinarians in Chesapeake (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.56% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $89,871 | Actual |
| 2020 | $93,439 | Actual |
| 2021 | $94,494 | Actual |
| 2022 | $97,214 | Actual |
| 2023 | $112,127 | Actual |
| 2024 | $125,916 | Actual |
| 2025 | $122,483 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $129,293 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $136,482 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Chesapeake metropolitan area, the median veterinarian salary grew 36.3% from $89,871 (2019) to $122,483 (2025). At a 5.56% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $136,482 by 2027 — a total increase of $46,611 (51.86%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Chesapeake 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) | $74,990 – $102,174 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $102,174 – $129,293 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $129,293 – $165,495 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $165,495 – $200,405 |
DVM salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual veterinarian compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Veterinarian Job Market in Chesapeake
In Chesapeake, the employment level for veterinarians stands at 63, highlighting a concentrated job market. The cost-of-living index of 103.2 indicates that while living expenses are slightly higher than the national average, it remains manageable for most professionals. In terms of compensation, corporate veterinary groups such as VCA and BluePearl, which constitute about 25% of the market, tend to offer higher salaries compared to independent practices. Factors that contribute to pay disparities include board certification in specialties like surgery or internal medicine, revenue-sharing models, and ownership opportunities in independent practices. For those looking to maximize their earning potential, pursuing specialty certifications, considering corporate employment for structured salary models, and negotiating sign-on bonuses—currently averaging between $50,000 and $150,000 for new graduates in shortage areas—are strategic approaches to enhance veterinarian pay in Chesapeake, VA.
More salary data for Chesapeake, 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 $122,483 for veterinariansin the Chesapeake 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 Chesapeake 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