Senior Veterinarian Salary in Burlington, IA: $200,576 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of veterinarians working in Burlington, IA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $200,576/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-1131. Strip back Burlington's price premium (BEA RPP 90.4, 10% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $221,876 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
Veterinary professionals in Burlington, IA, looking to advance their careers significantly can find lucrative opportunities, especially at the senior level. With a median annual salary projected at $129,404 in 2026, experienced veterinarians can push their earnings to substantial heights. The top 10% of earners reach an impressive $200,576, while those at the 75th percentile can expect around $161,215. This gap between median figures and top-tier pay illustrates the premium that comes with specialization and years of experience. Achieving the highest salary brackets in Burlington often requires advanced credentials, subspecialty training, and a solid understanding of the veterinary business landscape, all of which position seasoned veterinarians to command top dollar in their practices.
About the Burlington Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($108,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Burlington
Experienced veterinarians at the top of the pay scale in Burlington earn between $161,215 and $200,576 per year (2026 est.). This $123,195 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Burlington median of $129,404 sits 5.77% below the US median.
Top DVM Salary Comparison
| Level | Burlington | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $129,404 | $137,334 |
| 75th Percentile | $161,215 | $175,356 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $200,576 | $227,693 |
In Burlington, 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 Burlington
Advanced Certifications in Iowa
IA veterinarians with additional specialty certifications within the veterinary medicine field earn significantly above the $129,404 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Burlington employers.
Specialty Focus
Veterinarians focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the veterinary medicine field in Burlington command premium compensation, often reaching the $161,215–$200,576 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Burlington metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced veterinarians who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured veterinarians in Burlington 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 Iowa 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 Burlington
Clinical Veterinarian
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Veterinarian
5-10 yearsVeterinarian Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedBurlington ranks #11 of 26 Iowa cities for top earner veterinarian salary (90th percentile: $200,576).
Top 10% veterinarian compensation in Burlington ($200,576) is 3.9% above the Iowa average P90 ($193,047).
2019 BLS Actual
$141,632
2025 BLS Actual
$190,011
2026 Current Est.
$200,576
2019–2027 Growth
+49.5%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinarians in Burlington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.56% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $141,632 | Actual |
| 2020 | $144,900 | Actual |
| 2021 | $145,878 | Actual |
| 2022 | $153,718 | Actual |
| 2023 | $177,449 | Actual |
| 2024 | $145,305 | Actual |
| 2025 | $190,011 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $200,576 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $211,728 | Projected |
Top-earning veterinarians (90th percentile) in Burlington saw their compensation grow 34.2% from $141,632 in 2019 to $190,011 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 $211,728 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Burlington 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 Burlington
Compensation for senior veterinarians in Burlington varies depending on several factors, including specialization and the type of employer. For instance, those specializing in small animal surgery (DACVS), internal medicine (DACVIM), and emergency and critical care (DACVECC) frequently earn higher salaries due to the advanced skills required in these fields. Compensation structures also differ across employers; corporate chains like VCA and BluePearl, which represent about 25% of the market, often offer competitive production-based pay models, potentially allowing veterinarians to earn significant bonuses tied to revenue generation. In contrast, independent practices may provide equity in ownership, appealing to those looking for long-term career stability. Advanced credentials like a DVM from an AVMA-accredited school and board certifications enhance pay prospects. Senior veterinarians may also pursue leadership roles such as medical directors or practice owners, presenting pathways to further career advancement within this dynamic and evolving market in Burlington.
More salary data for Burlington, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced veterinarians make in Burlington in 2026?
What drives higher veterinarian pay in Burlington?
What certifications boost veterinarian salary in Burlington?
Can experienced veterinarians make six figures in Burlington?
How much does veterinarian salary increase over time in Burlington?
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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 $190,011 for veterinarians in the Burlington 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 Burlington 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