Veterinarian Salary in Portsmouth, VA: $122,560 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinarian in Portsmouth, VA earns a median $122,560/year (≈ $58.92/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1131). Once you factor in Portsmouth's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $118,760 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.2% below the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Portsmouth, Virginia, the veterinarian salary notably reflects local economic conditions and industry dynamics, with a projected median annual compensation of $122,560 for 2026. This figure indicates a competitive marketplace for veterinarians, though it falls approximately 10.76% behind the national median of $137,334. Salary figures range considerably, from $71,085 at the P10 to $189,969 at the P90, highlighting the impact of experience and specialization on earnings. These estimates are based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional cost of living variations, providing a clearer picture of what veterinarians can expect in this specific area. The local job market, albeit small with only 17 professionals employed, suggests a niche yet potentially lucrative opportunity for those entering the field.
About the Portsmouth Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($118,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $71,085 | $34.18 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $95,350 | $45.84 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $122,560 | $58.92 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $155,722 | $74.86 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $189,969 | $91.33 |
Median Salary Position
10.76% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Portsmouth
In Portsmouth, VA, the veterinarian salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $118,884 (2026 est.). At $122,560, the local median is 10.76% below the national median of $137,334.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Portsmouth: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Portsmouth Veterinarian Pay Compares
Portsmouth median: $122,560/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Portsmouth Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $126,612 | -3.20% less |
| National Average | $137,334 | -10.76% less |
Veterinarians in Portsmouth, VA earn a median of $122,560 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.76% lower than the national median of $137,334 and 3.20% below the Virginia state average of $126,612.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Portsmouth has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Portsmouth, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $122,560 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $118,760 — a 3.1% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$85,191
2025 BLS Actual
$116,105
2026 Current Est.
$122,560
2019–2027 Growth
+51.9%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinarians in Portsmouth (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.56% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $85,191 | Actual |
| 2020 | $88,574 | Actual |
| 2021 | $89,573 | Actual |
| 2022 | $92,152 | Actual |
| 2023 | $106,288 | Actual |
| 2024 | $117,834 | Actual |
| 2025 | $116,105 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $122,560 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $129,375 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Portsmouth metropolitan area, the median veterinarian salary grew 36.3% from $85,191 (2019) to $116,105 (2025). At a 5.56% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $129,375 by 2027 — a total increase of $44,184 (51.86%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Portsmouth 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) | $71,085 – $95,350 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $95,350 – $122,560 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $122,560 – $155,722 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $155,722 – $189,969 |
DVM salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual veterinarian compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Veterinarian Job Market in Portsmouth
Veterinarians in Portsmouth face a cost of living index of 103.2, which slightly exceeds the national average of 100. This reality can influence take-home pay and purchasing power, making it essential for veterinarians to understand their compensation structure. Employers such as corporate chains—like VCA, BluePearl, and NVA—constitute about 25% of the market and often offer higher salaries than independent practices. The wage disparity stems from factors like specialty board certification in areas such as surgery or internal medicine, as well as the presence of production-based compensation models that tie earnings to generated revenue. For those in veterinary practice, gaining expertise through additional certifications or seeking roles in practices with equity options or attractive sign-on bonuses may enhance their earning potential in Portsmouth, VA.
More salary data for Portsmouth, 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 $116,105 for veterinariansin the Portsmouth 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 Portsmouth 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