Healthcare Los Angeles, CA Pop. 3,898,747

Veterinarian Salary in Los Angeles, California

The median veterinarian salary in Los Angeles, CA is $159,020 per year, which is 54.0% above the national median and 5.5% above the California state average.

City Median
$159,020
vs State Avg
+$8,260
vs National
+$55,760
Cost of Living
146%

Veterinarian Pay in Los Angeles: What to Expect (2026)

Los Angeles offers a median veterinarian salary of $159,020, which is $8,260 above the California state average of $150,760. Compared to the national median of $103,260, Los Angeles pays above average for this role.

However, Los Angeles's cost of living index is 146%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $159,020 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $108,918. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Los Angeles should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for veterinarians in Los Angeles spans from $100,408 at the 10th percentile to $268,268 at the 90th percentile — a $167,860 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $104,720, while senior veterinarians with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $238,700. As a major metro area with a population of 3,898,747, Los Angeles typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Veterinarian Salary in Los Angeles by Experience

In Los Angeles, an entry-level veterinarian earns around $104,720, while experienced professionals earn up to $238,700 per year. The local cost of living index is 146% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$104,720
+$36,720 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$161,700
+$56,700 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$238,700
+$83,700 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Los Angeles, CA

Percentile Los Angeles
10th Percentile $100,408
25th Percentile $123,816
Median (50th) $159,020
75th Percentile $206,976
90th Percentile $268,268

Veterinarian Salary in Other California Cities

San Francisco, CA
$196,194
Pop. 873,965
San Jose, CA
$181,738
Pop. 1,013,240
San Diego, CA
$154,890
Pop. 1,386,932
Sacramento, CA
$130,108
Pop. 524,943

How to Become a Veterinarian in Los Angeles

Education

Most veterinarian positions require a doctoral degree. Los Angeles and the surrounding California area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

DiagnosisSurgeryPharmacologyAnimal HandlingClient CommunicationRadiology

Job Outlook

Nationally, veterinarian employment is projected to grow 19% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Los Angeles may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Veterinarian Jobs in Los Angeles

Browse open veterinarian positions in Los Angeles, CA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Veterinarian Salary in Los Angeles

How much does a Veterinarian make in Los Angeles, CA? ▼
The median veterinarian salary in Los Angeles, California is $159,020 per year, which is 54.0% above the national median of $103,260. Salaries range from $100,408 (10th percentile) to $268,268 (90th percentile).
How much does a Veterinarian make per hour in Los Angeles? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $159,020, a veterinarian in Los Angeles earns approximately $76 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Los Angeles compare to the California state average for veterinarian pay? ▼
Los Angeles's median veterinarian salary of $159,020 is 5.5% above the California state average of $150,760. The local cost of living index is 146% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Los Angeles, CA? ▼
Los Angeles has a cost of living index of 146% compared to the national average. This means a veterinarian salary of $159,020 in Los Angeles has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a veterinarian in Los Angeles? ▼
Most veterinarian positions in Los Angeles require a doctoral degree. Key skills include Diagnosis, Surgery, Pharmacology, Animal Handling. The job market is projected to grow 19% nationally over the next decade.