Healthcare Alabama (AL) Rank #44 of 50

Veterinarian Salary in Alabama

The median veterinarian salary in Alabama is $89,836 per year, which is 13% below the national median of $103,260.

Median Salary
$89,836
vs National
$-13,424
State Rank
#44 of 50
Cost of Living
87%

Veterinarian Salary Overview in Alabama (2026)

Alabama ranks #44 out of 50 states for veterinarian compensation. Veterinarian salaries in Alabama are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $89,836 per year, veterinarians in Alabama earn $13,424 less than the national median of $103,260.

A key advantage of working in Alabama is its below-average cost of living (87% of the national index). This means the $89,836 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $103,260 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Alabama is significant: veterinarians at the 10th percentile earn $56,724, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $151,554 — a $94,830 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Alabama for this role is Huntsville, where the median reaches $94,999.

Nationally, veterinarian employment is projected to grow 19% over the next decade (much faster than average). This strong growth suggests increasing demand and competitive salaries in Alabama and beyond.

Veterinarian Salary in Alabama by Experience

In Alabama, an entry-level veterinarian earns around $59,160, while experienced professionals earn up to $134,850 per year. The cost of living index in Alabama is 87% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$59,160
$-8,840 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$91,350
$-13,650 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$134,850
$-20,150 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Alabama

Percentile AL Salary
10th Percentile $56,724
25th Percentile $69,948
Median (50th) $89,836
75th Percentile $116,928
90th Percentile $151,554

Veterinarian Salary by City in Alabama

The largest employment areas for veterinarians in Alabama include Birmingham, Huntsville, Montgomery, and Mobile. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Veterinarian in Alabama

Education

Most veterinarian positions require a doctoral degree. Alabama has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

DiagnosisSurgeryPharmacologyAnimal HandlingClient CommunicationRadiology

Job Outlook in Alabama

Nationally, veterinarian employment is projected to grow 19% over the next decade (much faster than average). Alabama's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Veterinarian Salary in Alabama

How much does a Veterinarian make in Alabama? ▼
The median veterinarian salary in Alabama is $89,836 per year, which is 13% below the national median of $103,260. Salaries range from $56,724 (10th percentile) to $151,554 (90th percentile).
How much does a Veterinarian make per hour in Alabama? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $89,836, a veterinarian in Alabama earns approximately $43 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Alabama a good state for veterinarians? ▼
Alabama ranks #44 out of 50 states for veterinarian pay. The cost of living index is 87% of the national average. Entry-level veterinarians earn $59,160, while senior professionals earn $134,850.
How does Alabama compare to other states for veterinarian salary? ▼
The highest paying state for veterinarians is Hawaii at $183,803. Alabama's median of $89,836 ranks #44 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Missouri ($90,869) and South Dakota ($90,869).
What is the entry-level veterinarian salary in Alabama? ▼
An entry-level veterinarian in Alabama earns approximately $59,160 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $91,350. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $134,850.
What city in Alabama pays veterinarians the most? ▼
Huntsville is the highest paying city in Alabama for veterinarians, with a median salary of $94,999. Other cities include Birmingham and Montgomery.