Healthcare Mississippi (MS) Rank #50 of 50

Veterinarian Salary in Mississippi

The median veterinarian salary in Mississippi is $83,641 per year, which is 19% below the national median of $103,260.

Median Salary
$83,641
vs National
$-19,619
State Rank
#50 of 50
Cost of Living
83%

Veterinarian Salary Overview in Mississippi (2026)

Mississippi ranks #50 out of 50 states for veterinarian compensation. Veterinarian salaries in Mississippi are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $83,641 per year, veterinarians in Mississippi earn $19,619 less than the national median of $103,260.

A key advantage of working in Mississippi is its below-average cost of living (83% of the national index). This means the $83,641 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $100,772 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Mississippi is significant: veterinarians at the 10th percentile earn $52,812, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $141,102 — a $88,290 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Mississippi for this role is Jackson, where the median reaches $85,706.

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 Mississippi and beyond.

Veterinarian Salary in Mississippi by Experience

In Mississippi, an entry-level veterinarian earns around $55,080, while experienced professionals earn up to $125,550 per year. The cost of living index in Mississippi is 83% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$55,080
$-12,920 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$85,050
$-19,950 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$125,550
$-29,450 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Mississippi

Percentile MS Salary
10th Percentile $52,812
25th Percentile $65,124
Median (50th) $83,641
75th Percentile $108,864
90th Percentile $141,102

Veterinarian Salary by City in Mississippi

The largest employment areas for veterinarians in Mississippi include Jackson, Gulfport, Southaven, and Hattiesburg. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Veterinarian in Mississippi

Education

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

Key Skills

DiagnosisSurgeryPharmacologyAnimal HandlingClient CommunicationRadiology

Job Outlook in Mississippi

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Veterinarian Salary in Mississippi

How much does a Veterinarian make in Mississippi? ▼
The median veterinarian salary in Mississippi is $83,641 per year, which is 19% below the national median of $103,260. Salaries range from $52,812 (10th percentile) to $141,102 (90th percentile).
How much does a Veterinarian make per hour in Mississippi? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $83,641, a veterinarian in Mississippi earns approximately $40 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Mississippi a good state for veterinarians? ▼
Mississippi ranks #50 out of 50 states for veterinarian pay. The cost of living index is 83% of the national average. Entry-level veterinarians earn $55,080, while senior professionals earn $125,550.
How does Mississippi compare to other states for veterinarian salary? ▼
The highest paying state for veterinarians is Hawaii at $183,803. Mississippi's median of $83,641 ranks #50 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Arkansas ($84,673) and West Virginia ($84,673).
What is the entry-level veterinarian salary in Mississippi? ▼
An entry-level veterinarian in Mississippi earns approximately $55,080 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $85,050. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $125,550.
What city in Mississippi pays veterinarians the most? ▼
Jackson is the highest paying city in Mississippi for veterinarians, with a median salary of $85,706. Other cities include Gulfport and Southaven.