Senior Veterinarian Salary in Burbank, CA: $258,153 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of veterinarians working in Burbank, CA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $258,153/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-1131. Strip back Burbank's price premium (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $228,252 in average-cost America. The 55% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Burbank, California, experienced veterinarians can anticipate a median annual salary of $166,550 in 2026, with top earners seeing compensation as high as $258,153. This P90 figure significantly surpasses the national top-tier earnings, reflecting Burbank's robust demand for seasoned professionals. The sizable gap between the median and the peak salary illustrates the premium placed on experience and specialized skills in veterinary medicine. Achieving such high levels of pay typically requires advanced credentials, such as board certifications from the ACVS or ACVIM, and a proven track record in high-demand specialties, positioning veterinarians at the forefront of patient care and practice management.
About the Burbank Market
Salary estimated from California average ($156,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Burbank
Experienced veterinarians at the top of the pay scale in Burbank earn between $213,185 and $258,153 per year (2026 est.). This $161,554 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Burbank median of $166,550 sits 21.27% above the US median.
Top DVM Salary Comparison
| Level | Burbank | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $166,550 | $137,334 |
| 75th Percentile | $213,185 | $175,356 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $258,153 | $227,693 |
In Burbank, experienced veterinarians (P90) earn 55.00% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Veterinarian Pay in Burbank
Advanced Certifications in California
CA veterinarians with additional specialty certifications within the veterinary medicine field earn significantly above the $166,550 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Burbank employers.
Specialty Focus
Veterinarians focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the veterinary medicine field in Burbank command premium compensation, often reaching the $213,185–$258,153 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Burbank metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced veterinarians who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured veterinarians in Burbank with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Veterinarians in California who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Veterinarian Career & Wage Growth Path in Burbank
Clinical Veterinarian
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Veterinarian
5-10 yearsVeterinarian Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedBurbank ranks #119 of 157 California cities for top earner veterinarian salary (90th percentile: $258,153).
Top 10% veterinarian compensation in Burbank ($258,153) is 11.25% below the California average P90 ($290,876).
2019 BLS Actual
$182,289
2025 BLS Actual
$244,556
2026 Current Est.
$258,153
2019–2027 Growth
+49.5%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinarians in Burbank (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.56% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $182,289 | Actual |
| 2020 | $186,495 | Actual |
| 2021 | $187,754 | Actual |
| 2022 | $197,844 | Actual |
| 2023 | $228,388 | Actual |
| 2024 | $270,101 | Actual |
| 2025 | $244,556 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $258,153 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $272,507 | Projected |
Top-earning veterinarians (90th percentile) in Burbank saw their compensation grow 34.2% from $182,289 in 2019 to $244,556 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 5.56% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $272,507 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Burbank 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.
Maximizing Your Veterinarian Earnings in Burbank
Compensation for senior veterinarians varies considerably depending on their area of specialization and type of employer. For example, veterinarians focusing on small animal surgery, internal medicine, or emergency and critical care often command premium pay. Specialty veterinary positions in Burbank tend to pay significantly more than those in general practice, with salaries reflecting the increased complexity and value of advanced care. Additionally, corporate practices like VCA and BluePearl, which constitute about 25% of the market, frequently offer competitive compensation packages, including production-based incentives. Career advancement paths are also diverse, allowing experienced veterinarians to transition into roles such as medical director or partner in a practice. Continued education and obtaining advanced certifications can further elevate senior veterinarian pay in CA, creating opportunities for enhanced earnings beyond base salaries, such as profit-sharing arrangements and sign-on bonuses, which can range between $50,000 and $150,000 in areas facing shortages.
More salary data for Burbank, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced veterinarians make in Burbank in 2026?
What drives higher veterinarian pay in Burbank?
What certifications boost veterinarian salary in Burbank?
Can experienced veterinarians make six figures in Burbank?
How much does veterinarian salary increase over time in Burbank?
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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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $244,556 for veterinarians in the Burbank metro area. A 5.56% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Burbank 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