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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Licensed Veterinarian in California is $130,150 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $63.
However, a Licensed Veterinarian's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Licensed Veterinarian Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $137,200 | $11,433 | $2,638 | $66 |
| Average | $130,150 | $10,846 | $2,503 | $63 |
| 25th Percentile | $116,930 | $9,744 | $2,249 | $56 |
The Downtown Veterinarian - UPTOWN, IN
Mt McKinley Animal Hospital - BADGER, AK
River City Veterinary Hospital - MERIDIAN, ID
Treasure Valley Veterinary Hospital - MERIDIAN, ID
A Licensed Veterinarian's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Licensed Veterinarian's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Licensed Veterinarian | $124,232 |
| Intermediate Level Licensed Veterinarian | $125,219 |
| Senior Level Licensed Veterinarian | $126,798 |
| Specialist Level Licensed Veterinarian | $128,772 |
| Expert Level Licensed Veterinarian | $131,206 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Licensed Veterinarians. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:
Licensed Veterinarian salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $142,829. While startup companies pay approximate $121,070.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $121,070 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $127,976 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $137,991 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $142,829 |
For Licensed Veterinarian roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 120% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Pharmaceuticals and Healthcare sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 60% above the average. In contrast, Licensed Veterinarian positions in Retail & Wholesale or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Licensed Veterinarian as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmaceuticals | $208,240 | $100.0 | 60% |
| Healthcare | $182,210 | $88.0 | 40% |
| MFG Durable | $156,180 | $75.0 | 20% |
Understanding how a Licensed Veterinarian's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $137,200 | $11,433 | $2,638 | $66 |
| Average | $130,150 | $10,846 | $2,503 | $63 |
| 25th Percentile | $116,930 | $9,744 | $2,249 | $56 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Licensed Veterinarian job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Treasure Valley Veterinary Hospital
MORA, ID
Treasure Valley Veterinary Hospital | MORA, ID
At Treasure Valley Veterinary Hospital, you join a practice committed to our long-standing motto: "Practice the best veterinary medicine while providing th... more
6 Days Ago
East Riverside Veterinary Hospital
BROADMOOR, LA
East Riverside Veterinary Hospital | BROADMOOR, LA
Welcome to East Riverside Veterinary Hospital, your full-service small animal clinic rooted in the vibrant New Orleans community. Since 2022, our mission h... more
6 Days Ago
Pet Care Center
RIVER RIDGE, LA
Pet Care Center | RIVER RIDGE, LA
The Pet Care Center has served the Metairie community since 1958, building a legacy of comprehensive, high-quality care. We are honored to hold American An... more
6 Days Ago
Bethany Family Pet Clinic
CEDAR MILL, OR
Bethany Family Pet Clinic | CEDAR MILL, OR
Bethany Family Pet Clinic is deeply committed to providing gold-standard patient care, evidenced by our respected AAHA Accreditation. This consistent focus... more
6 Days Ago
Prescott Animal Hospital
IRON SPRINGS, AZ
Prescott Animal Hospital | IRON SPRINGS, AZ
Prescott Animal Hospital is proud to serve the community of Prescott, Arizona, by focusing on patient-centered care and collaborative teamwork. We are dedi... more
6 Days Ago
District Veterinary Hospital
AVONDALE, MD
District Veterinary Hospital | AVONDALE, MD
District Veterinary Hospital in Washington, DC (Brookland location) is proud to be an AAHA-accredited practice committed to the highest standards of small ... more
6 Days Ago
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