Healthcare Hawaii (HI) Rank #1 of 50

Veterinarian Salary in Hawaii

The median veterinarian salary in Hawaii is $183,803 per year, which is 78.0% above the national median of $103,260.

Median Salary
$183,803
vs National
+$80,543
State Rank
#1 of 50
Cost of Living
170%

Veterinarian Salary Overview in Hawaii (2026)

Hawaii ranks #1 out of 50 states for veterinarian compensation. This places Hawaii in the top tier nationally, making it one of the best states for veterinarians seeking high pay. At $183,803 per year, veterinarians in Hawaii earn $80,543 more than the national median of $103,260.

It's worth noting that Hawaii's cost of living is 170% of the national average, which reduces the real purchasing power of the $183,803 salary. After adjusting for cost of living, the effective salary is closer to $108,119.

The salary spread in Hawaii is significant: veterinarians at the 10th percentile earn $116,056, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $310,076 — a $194,020 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Hawaii for this role is Honolulu, where the median reaches $188,966.

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 Hawaii and beyond.

Veterinarian Salary in Hawaii by Experience

In Hawaii, an entry-level veterinarian earns around $121,040, while experienced professionals earn up to $275,900 per year. The cost of living index in Hawaii is 170% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$121,040
+$53,040 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$186,900
+$81,900 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$275,900
+$120,900 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Hawaii

Percentile HI Salary
10th Percentile $116,056
25th Percentile $143,112
Median (50th) $183,803
75th Percentile $239,232
90th Percentile $310,076

Veterinarian Salary by City in Hawaii

The largest employment areas for veterinarians in Hawaii include Honolulu, Pearl City, Hilo, and Kailua. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Veterinarian in Hawaii

Education

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

Key Skills

DiagnosisSurgeryPharmacologyAnimal HandlingClient CommunicationRadiology

Job Outlook in Hawaii

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Veterinarian Salary in Hawaii

How much does a Veterinarian make in Hawaii? ▼
The median veterinarian salary in Hawaii is $183,803 per year, which is 78.0% above the national median of $103,260. Salaries range from $116,056 (10th percentile) to $310,076 (90th percentile).
How much does a Veterinarian make per hour in Hawaii? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $183,803, a veterinarian in Hawaii earns approximately $88 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Hawaii a good state for veterinarians? ▼
Hawaii ranks #1 out of 50 states for veterinarian pay. The cost of living index is 170% of the national average. Entry-level veterinarians earn $121,040, while senior professionals earn $275,900.
How does Hawaii compare to other states for veterinarian salary? ▼
The highest paying state for veterinarians is Hawaii at $183,803. Hawaii's median of $183,803 ranks #1 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include California ($150,760) and Massachusetts ($147,662).
What is the entry-level veterinarian salary in Hawaii? ▼
An entry-level veterinarian in Hawaii earns approximately $121,040 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $186,900. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $275,900.
What city in Hawaii pays veterinarians the most? ▼
Honolulu is the highest paying city in Hawaii for veterinarians, with a median salary of $188,966. Other cities include Pearl City and Hilo.