Veterinarian Salary in University Place, WA: $163,964 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinarian in University Place, WA earns a median $163,964/year (≈ $78.83/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1131). Once you factor in University Place's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $152,667 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.9% below the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In University Place, Washington, veterinarians can expect a median annual salary of $163,964 in 2026, significantly surpassing the national median of $137,334 by approximately 19.39%. The compensation spectrum for this profession sees figures ranging from $95,099 at the lower tenth percentile to an impressive $254,144 at the 90th percentile. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data adjusted for regional costs, reflect varying pay structures influenced by whether veterinarians work in corporate settings versus independent practices. The corporate consolidation trend has led to distinct payment frameworks, impacting not only salary levels but also benefits and professional growth opportunities in the field.
About the University Place Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($142,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $95,099 | $45.72 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $126,243 | $60.70 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $163,964 | $78.83 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $202,189 | $97.21 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $254,144 | $122.19 |
Median Salary Position
19.39% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in University Place
In University Place, WA, the veterinarian salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $159,045 (2026 est.). At $163,964, the local median is 19.39% above the national median of $137,334.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in University Place: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How University Place Veterinarian Pay Compares
University Place median: $163,964/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | University Place Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $167,140 | -1.90% less |
| National Average | $137,334 | +19.39% more |
Veterinarians in University Place, WA earn a median of $163,964 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.39% higher than the national median of $137,334 and 1.90% below the Washington state average of $167,140.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
University Place has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
University Place, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $163,964 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $152,667 — a 6.89% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$113,971
2025 BLS Actual
$155,328
2026 Current Est.
$163,964
2019–2027 Growth
+51.9%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinarians in University Place (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.56% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $113,971 | Actual |
| 2020 | $118,496 | Actual |
| 2021 | $119,833 | Actual |
| 2022 | $123,283 | Actual |
| 2023 | $142,195 | Actual |
| 2024 | $149,560 | Actual |
| 2025 | $155,328 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $163,964 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $173,081 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the University Place metropolitan area, the median veterinarian salary grew 36.3% from $113,971 (2019) to $155,328 (2025). At a 5.56% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $173,081 by 2027 — a total increase of $59,110 (51.86%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the University Place 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) | $95,099 – $126,243 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $126,243 – $163,964 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $163,964 – $202,189 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $202,189 – $254,144 |
DVM salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual veterinarian compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Veterinarian Job Market in University Place
The job market in University Place features six veterinarians, indicating a competitive local landscape despite the small numbers. A cost-of-living index of 107.4 reveals that while salaries are above the national average, it’s crucial to consider how much purchasing power remains after expenses. Corporate chains such as VCA and BluePearl are significant employers in the area, often providing higher compensation compared to independent clinics, which typically offer more flexible working conditions. The disparity in pay largely stems from factors such as specialty board certification in surgery or internal medicine, production-based compensation models, and the potential for partnership equity in private practices. To maximize earning potential, aspiring veterinarians should consider opportunities in specialization, seek out positions with production incentives, and explore the potential for sign-on bonuses currently offered in regions with a shortage of qualified professionals.
More salary data for University Place, 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 $155,328 for veterinariansin the University Place 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 University Place 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