Veterinarian Salary in Richland, WA: $176,209 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinarian in Richland, WA earns a median $176,209/year (≈ $84.71/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1131). Once you factor in Richland's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $164,068 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.4% above the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Veterinarians practicing in Richland, Washington are projected to earn a median annual salary of $176,209 in 2026, significantly higher than the national median of $137,334. Salary ranges in the region vary widely, from $102,201 at the 10th percentile to $273,124 at the 90th percentile, reflecting a gradient of earning potential driven by specialization, experience, and practice type. Regional estimates are informed by state-level BLS data and regional cost adjustments, creating a competitive salary environment for veterinarians in this growing market. The high demand for veterinary services, particularly with specialty board-certified practitioners, indicates a robust future for the profession within Richland's healthcare segment.
About the Richland Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($142,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $102,201 | $49.14 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $135,702 | $65.24 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $176,209 | $84.71 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $222,703 | $107.07 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $273,124 | $131.31 |
Median Salary Position
28.31% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Richland
In Richland, WA, the veterinarian salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $170,923 (2026 est.). At $176,209, the local median is 28.31% above the national median of $137,334.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Richland: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Richland Veterinarian Pay Compares
Richland median: $176,209/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Richland Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $167,181 | +5.40% more |
| National Average | $137,334 | +28.31% more |
Veterinarians in Richland, WA earn a median of $176,209 per year (2026 est.), which is 28.31% higher than the national median of $137,334 and 5.40% above the Washington state average of $167,181.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Richland has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Richland, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $176,209 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $164,068 — a 6.89% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$122,482
2025 BLS Actual
$166,928
2026 Current Est.
$176,209
2019–2027 Growth
+51.9%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinarians in Richland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.56% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $122,482 | Actual |
| 2020 | $127,345 | Actual |
| 2021 | $128,782 | Actual |
| 2022 | $132,490 | Actual |
| 2023 | $152,814 | Actual |
| 2024 | $154,129 | Actual |
| 2025 | $166,928 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $176,209 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $186,006 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Richland metropolitan area, the median veterinarian salary grew 36.3% from $122,482 (2019) to $166,928 (2025). At a 5.56% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $186,006 by 2027 — a total increase of $63,524 (51.86%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Richland 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) | $102,201 – $135,702 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $135,702 – $176,209 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $176,209 – $222,703 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $222,703 – $273,124 |
DVM salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual veterinarian compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Veterinarian Job Market in Richland
The local veterinarian job market includes approximately 15 professionals, showcasing a concentrated but competitive environment. With a cost-of-living index of 107.4, the take-home purchasing power for veterinarians is slightly above the national average, impacting salary negotiations. Among employers, corporate entities such as VCA and NVA dominate, typically offering higher salaries compared to independent practices. Factors that influence the salary spread include board certification in specialties like surgery or internal medicine, production-based compensation models, and practice ownership opportunities. Recent trends show sign-on bonuses ranging from $50,000 to $150,000 for professionals entering high-need areas, which can be a useful negotiating tool for new graduates. For those seeking to maximize their earnings in Richland, pursuing specialty certifications or exploring roles within corporate practices could provide substantial financial benefits.
More salary data for Richland, WA:
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 $166,928 for veterinariansin the Richland 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 Richland 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