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.

Find Veterinarian Jobs in San Diego

Browse open veterinarian positions in San Diego, CA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Veterinarian Salary in San Diego

How much does a Veterinarian make in San Diego, CA? ▼
The median veterinarian salary in San Diego, California is $154,890 per year, which is 50.0% above the national median of $103,260. Salaries range from $97,800 (10th percentile) to $261,300 (90th percentile).
How much does a Veterinarian make per hour in San Diego? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $154,890, a veterinarian in San Diego earns approximately $74 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does San Diego compare to the California state average for veterinarian pay? ▼
San Diego's median veterinarian salary of $154,890 is 2.7% above the California state average of $150,760. The local cost of living index is 142% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in San Diego, CA? ▼
San Diego has a cost of living index of 142% compared to the national average. This means a veterinarian salary of $154,890 in San Diego has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a veterinarian in San Diego? ▼
Most veterinarian positions in San Diego 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.