Veterinarian Salary in Owensboro, KY: $84,673 (2026)

Veterinarian Pay in Owensboro: What to Expect (2026)

Owensboro offers a median veterinarian salary of $84,673, which is $5,163 below the Kentucky state average of $89,836. Compared to the national median of $103,260, Owensboro pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Owensboro's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 82% of the national average. This means the $84,673 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $103,260 in an average-cost city. This makes Owensboro an attractive option for veterinarians seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for veterinarians in Owensboro spans from $53,464 at the 10th percentile to $142,844 at the 90th percentile — a $89,380 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $55,760, while senior veterinarians with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $127,100. Owensboro is a smaller market (pop. 60,183), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Veterinarian Salary in Owensboro by Experience

In Owensboro, an entry-level veterinarian earns around $55,760, while experienced professionals earn up to $127,100 per year. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$55,760

$-12,240 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$86,100

$-18,900 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$127,100

$-27,900 vs national

Percentile	Owensboro	KY State	National
10th Percentile	$53,464	$56,724	$65,200
25th Percentile	$65,928	$69,948	$80,400
Median (50th)	$84,673	$89,836	$103,260
75th Percentile	$110,208	$116,928	$134,400
90th Percentile	$142,844	$151,554	$174,200

Percentile

Owensboro

10th Percentile

$53,464

25th Percentile

$65,928

Median (50th)

$84,673

75th Percentile

$110,208

90th Percentile

$142,844

How to Become a Veterinarian in Owensboro

Education

Most veterinarian positions require a doctoral degree. Owensboro and the surrounding Kentucky 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 Owensboro may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Veterinarian Salary in Owensboro

How much does a Veterinarian make in Owensboro, KY? ▼

The median veterinarian salary in Owensboro, Kentucky is $84,673 per year, which is 18% below the national median of $103,260. Salaries range from $53,464 (10th percentile) to $142,844 (90th percentile).

How much does a Veterinarian make per hour in Owensboro? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $84,673, a veterinarian in Owensboro earns approximately $41 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Owensboro compare to the Kentucky state average for veterinarian pay? ▼

Owensboro's median veterinarian salary of $84,673 is 5.7% below the Kentucky state average of $89,836. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Owensboro, KY? ▼

Owensboro has a cost of living index of 82% compared to the national average. This means a veterinarian salary of $84,673 in Owensboro has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a veterinarian in Owensboro? ▼

Most veterinarian positions in Owensboro 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.

Veterinarian Salary in Owensboro, Kentucky