Healthcare San Diego, CA Pop. 1,386,932

Veterinarian Salary in San Diego, California

The median veterinarian salary in San Diego, CA is $154,890 per year, which is 50.0% above the national median and 2.7% above the California state average.

City Median
$154,890
vs State Avg
+$4,130
vs National
+$51,630
Cost of Living
142%

Veterinarian Salary in San Diego by Experience

In San Diego, an entry-level veterinarian earns around $102,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $232,500 per year. The local cost of living index is 142% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$102,000
+$34,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$157,500
+$52,500 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$232,500
+$77,500 vs national

Salary Percentiles in San Diego, CA

Percentile San Diego
10th Percentile $97,800
25th Percentile $120,600
Median (50th) $154,890
75th Percentile $201,600
90th Percentile $261,300

Veterinarian Salary in Other California Cities

San Francisco, CA
$196,194
Pop. 873,965
San Jose, CA
$181,738
Pop. 1,013,240
Los Angeles, CA
$159,020
Pop. 3,898,747
Sacramento, CA
$130,108
Pop. 524,943

How to Become a Veterinarian in San Diego

Education

Most veterinarian positions require a doctoral degree. San Diego 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 San Diego may vary based on local industry and population growth.