Veterinarian Salary in Auburn, WA: $165,266 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinarian in Auburn, WA earns a median $165,266/year (≈ $79.46/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1131). Once you factor in Auburn's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $153,879 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.2% below the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, veterinarians in Auburn, Washington, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $165,266, surpassing the national median of $137,334 by about 20.34%. With a full salary range stretching from $95,854 at the 10th percentile to $256,162 at the 90th percentile, these figures reflect local market demands and the cost of living adjustments inherent in the area. Given Auburn's competitive veterinary landscape, particularly for specialists with board certifications in surgery or internal medicine, prospective veterinarians may find ample opportunity for advancement and higher compensation. This emerging trend illustrates a strong demand for veterinary care in the region, driven by pet ownership and increased expenditure on animal healthcare.
About the Auburn Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($142,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $95,854 | $46.09 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $129,130 | $62.08 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $165,266 | $79.46 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $211,540 | $101.71 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $256,162 | $123.16 |
Median Salary Position
20.34% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Auburn
In Auburn, WA, the veterinarian salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $160,308 (2026 est.). At $165,266, the local median is 20.34% above the national median of $137,334.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Auburn: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Auburn Veterinarian Pay Compares
Auburn median: $165,266/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Auburn Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $167,273 | -1.20% less |
| National Average | $137,334 | +20.34% more |
Veterinarians in Auburn, WA earn a median of $165,266 per year (2026 est.), which is 20.34% higher than the national median of $137,334 and 1.20% below the Washington state average of $167,273.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Auburn has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Auburn, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $165,266 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $153,879 — a 6.89% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$114,876
2025 BLS Actual
$156,561
2026 Current Est.
$165,266
2019–2027 Growth
+51.9%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinarians in Auburn (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.56% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $114,876 | Actual |
| 2020 | $119,436 | Actual |
| 2021 | $120,784 | Actual |
| 2022 | $124,262 | Actual |
| 2023 | $143,324 | Actual |
| 2024 | $150,747 | Actual |
| 2025 | $156,561 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $165,266 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $174,455 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Auburn metropolitan area, the median veterinarian salary grew 36.3% from $114,876 (2019) to $156,561 (2025). At a 5.56% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $174,455 by 2027 — a total increase of $59,579 (51.86%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Auburn 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) | $95,854 – $129,130 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $129,130 – $165,266 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $165,266 – $211,540 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $211,540 – $256,162 |
DVM salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual veterinarian compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Veterinarian Job Market in Auburn
Currently, there are around 23 veterinarians employed in Auburn, WA, indicating a moderately sized market. The local cost of living index at 107.4 suggests that while salaries are higher than the national average, they must also accommodate greater living expenses. Corporate practices like VCA and BluePearl, which make up approximately 25% of the market, typically offer more competitive pay compared to independent clinics. The pay spread in the area is influenced by various factors, including specialty certification, production-based compensation models, and lucrative sign-on bonuses ranging from $50,000 to $150,000 for recent graduates claimed in areas experiencing staff shortages. To maximize veterinarian pay in Auburn, candidates might consider pursuing specialty board certification and exploring opportunities with larger corporate entities, which tend to offer enhanced pay structures and career growth potential.
More salary data for Auburn, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can veterinarians make $100K in Auburn?
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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 $156,561 for veterinariansin the Auburn 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 Auburn 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