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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an Associate Veterinarian in Virginia is $122,066 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $59.
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 | $128,747 | $10,729 | $2,476 | $62 |
| Average | $122,066 | $10,172 | $2,347 | $59 |
| 25th Percentile | $110,328 | $9,194 | $2,122 | $53 |
Willis & White Corporation - Richmond, VA
VCA Animal Hospitals - Fairfax, VA
VCA Animal Hospitals - Lynchburg, VA
Thrive Pet Healthcare - Leesburg, VA
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 | $116,043 |
| Intermediate Level Associate Veterinarian | $116,965 |
| Senior Level Associate Veterinarian | $118,440 |
| Specialist Level Associate Veterinarian | $120,284 |
| Expert Level Associate Veterinarian | $122,557 |
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 | $195,305 | $94.0 | 60% |
| Healthcare | $170,892 | $82.0 | 40% |
| MFG Durable | $146,479 | $70.0 | 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 | $128,747 | $10,729 | $2,476 | $62 |
| Average | $122,066 | $10,172 | $2,347 | $59 |
| 25th Percentile | $110,328 | $9,194 | $2,122 | $53 |
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.
Tempus Veterinary Recruitment
Haymarket, VA
Tempus Veterinary Recruitment | Haymarket, VA
Introduction Our client is a small animal veterinary hospital seeking an Associate Veterinarian to join their growing team. The practice provides comprehen... more
7 Days Ago
Staples Mill Animal Hospital
Woodbridge, VA
Staples Mill Animal Hospital | Woodbridge, VA
Staples Mill Animal Hospital, a Virginia-based practice, is searching for a natural born leader to join our team. This is an exciting opportunity for us to... more
7 Days Ago
Tempus Veterinary Recruitment
Chesapeake, VA
Tempus Veterinary Recruitment | Chesapeake, VA
Introduction Our client is a well-established small animal veterinary hospital that has proudly served its community since the 1950s and is now seeking an ... more
7 Days Ago
VCA Animal Hospitals
Newport News, VA
VCA Animal Hospitals | Newport News, VA
Associate Veterinarian. Join us as an Associate Veterinarian at VCA Boulevard Animal Hospital and you'll quickly discover that you're well supported by wor... more
7 Days Ago
VCA Animal Hospitals
Chesapeake, VA
VCA Animal Hospitals | Chesapeake, VA
Associate Veterinarian. Join us as an Associate Veterinarian at VCA Brentwood Animal Hospital and you'll quickly discover that you're well supported by wor... more
7 Days Ago
VCA Animal Hospitals
Norfolk, VA
VCA Animal Hospitals | Norfolk, VA
Associate Veterinarian. Join us as an Associate Veterinarian at VCA Animal Care Center and you'll quickly discover that you're well supported by world-clas... more
7 Days Ago
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