Senior Veterinarian Salary in Camas, WA: $245,920 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of veterinarians working in Camas, WA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $245,920/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-1131. Strip back Camas's price premium (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $228,976 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 2026, seasoned veterinarians in Camas, Washington, can anticipate a median annual salary of $158,658, with the most accomplished professionals potentially earning up to $245,920. This figure places the top earners in Camas significantly above the national threshold, where the highest reported income caps at around $137,334. The disparity between the median compensation and the earnings of senior veterinarians exemplifies the premium attached to experience and additional qualifications. Achieving such top-tier pay often requires specialization and years of practice, typically seen with veterinarians who have honed their skills in high-demand areas, positioning themselves strategically in the competitive market.
About the Camas Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($142,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Camas
Experienced veterinarians at the top of the pay scale in Camas earn between $202,065 and $245,920 per year (2026 est.). This $152,201 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Camas median of $158,658 sits 15.53% above the US median.
Top DVM Salary Comparison
| Level | Camas | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $158,658 | $137,334 |
| 75th Percentile | $202,065 | $175,356 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $245,920 | $227,693 |
In Camas, 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 Camas
Advanced Certifications in Washington
WA veterinarians with additional specialty certifications within the veterinary medicine field earn significantly above the $158,658 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Camas employers.
Specialty Focus
Veterinarians focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the veterinary medicine field in Camas command premium compensation, often reaching the $202,065–$245,920 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Camas metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced veterinarians who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured veterinarians in Camas 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 Washington 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 Camas
Clinical Veterinarian
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Veterinarian
5-10 yearsVeterinarian Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedCamas ranks #38 of 50 Washington cities for top earner veterinarian salary (90th percentile: $245,920).
Top 10% veterinarian compensation in Camas ($245,920) is 8.9% below the Washington average P90 ($269,939).
2019 BLS Actual
$173,651
2025 BLS Actual
$232,967
2026 Current Est.
$245,920
2019–2027 Growth
+49.5%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinarians in Camas (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.56% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $173,651 | Actual |
| 2020 | $177,658 | Actual |
| 2021 | $178,856 | Actual |
| 2022 | $188,469 | Actual |
| 2023 | $217,565 | Actual |
| 2024 | $224,316 | Actual |
| 2025 | $232,967 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $245,920 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $259,593 | Projected |
Top-earning veterinarians (90th percentile) in Camas saw their compensation grow 34.2% from $173,651 in 2019 to $232,967 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 $259,593 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Camas 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 Camas
For experienced veterinarians aiming for the top salary brackets in Camas, specialization plays an integral role. Fields such as small animal surgery and emergency/critical care not only command higher compensation but also enhance the veterinarian's value. Compensation varies considerably by employer type; corporate practices, like VCA or BluePearl, tend to offer structured pay scales, contrasting with independent practices that may provide benefits through ownership equity. Moreover, leadership paths, such as becoming a partner or medical director, alongside advanced credentials like board certifications from ACVS or ACVIM, bolster earning potential significantly. Factors like production-based compensation, where veterinarians receive a percentage of the revenue they generate, are increasingly common, reflecting a larger trend in veterinary medicine where corporate consolidation impacts pay structure and career advancement in WA.
More salary data for Camas, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced veterinarians make in Camas in 2026?
What drives higher veterinarian pay in Camas?
What certifications boost veterinarian salary in Camas?
Can experienced veterinarians make six figures in Camas?
How much does veterinarian salary increase over time in Camas?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Washington
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 $232,967 for veterinarians in the Camas 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 Camas 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