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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an Associate Veterinarian in North Carolina is $115,193 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $55.
However, an Associate Veterinarian's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Associate Veterinarian Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $121,498 | $10,125 | $2,336 | $58 |
| Average | $115,193 | $9,599 | $2,215 | $55 |
| 25th Percentile | $104,116 | $8,676 | $2,002 | $50 |
PET CENTERS OF AMERICA - Hickory, NC
Duke Lewis PLLC - Hickory, NC
Thrive Pet Healthcare - Cary, NC
SCPH PA - Surf City, NC
An Associate 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 an Associate 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 Associate Veterinarian | $109,509 |
| Intermediate Level Associate Veterinarian | $110,379 |
| Senior Level Associate Veterinarian | $111,771 |
| Specialist Level Associate Veterinarian | $113,511 |
| Expert Level Associate Veterinarian | $115,656 |
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 Associate 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:
For Associate 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, Associate Veterinarian positions in Retail & Wholesale or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Associate Veterinarian as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmaceuticals | $184,308 | $89.0 | 60% |
| Healthcare | $161,270 | $78.0 | 40% |
| MFG Durable | $138,231 | $66.0 | 20% |
Understanding how an Associate 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 | $121,498 | $10,125 | $2,336 | $58 |
| Average | $115,193 | $9,599 | $2,215 | $55 |
| 25th Percentile | $104,116 | $8,676 | $2,002 | $50 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Associate Veterinarian job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Get A Vet Staffing
Matthews, NC
Get A Vet Staffing | Matthews, NC
Job Opportunity. We are looking for an experienced general practice veterinarian who loves variety and loves working on a collaborative team. Requirements ... more
6 Days Ago
American Veterinary Group
Asheboro, NC
American Veterinary Group | Asheboro, NC
Associate Veterinarian. Ready to elevate your career. Asheboro Animal Hospital is excited to add you as an Associate Veterinarian. Our team located in Ashe... more
6 Days Ago
Lawndale Veterinary Hospital
Greensboro, NC
Lawndale Veterinary Hospital | Greensboro, NC
We are a large, well-established, privately owned veterinary hospital in search of a full-time or part-time veterinarian. We are looking to add a professio... more
7 Days Ago
Mitchell Village Animal Hospital
Morehead City, NC
Mitchell Village Animal Hospital | Morehead City, NC
Company Description Mitchell Village Animal Hospital, located in beautiful Morehead City, NC, is a thriving three doctor DVM practice with four exam rooms.... more
7 Days Ago
Animal Hospital of Boone
Boone, NC
Animal Hospital of Boone | Boone, NC
We are seeking a compassionate, dedicated, and team-oriented Associate Veterinarian to join our growing practice in Western North Carolina. The ideal candi... more
7 Days Ago
Reidsville Veterinary Hospital
Reidsville, NC
Reidsville Veterinary Hospital | Reidsville, NC
Associate VeterinarianReidsville Veterinary Hospital Reidsville, NCReidsville Veterinary Hospital is seeking an Associate DVM to join our multi-doctor team... more
7 Days Ago
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