Healthcare Columbia, MO Pop. 126,254

Veterinarian Salary in Columbia, Missouri

The median veterinarian salary in Columbia, MO is $90,869 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 0.0% above the Missouri state average.

City Median
$90,869
vs State Avg
+$0
vs National
$-12,391
Cost of Living
88%

Veterinarian Pay in Columbia: What to Expect (2026)

Columbia offers a median veterinarian salary of $90,869, which is $0 above the Missouri state average of $90,869. Compared to the national median of $103,260, Columbia pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Columbia's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $90,869 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $103,260 in an average-cost city. This makes Columbia an attractive option for veterinarians seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for veterinarians in Columbia spans from $57,376 at the 10th percentile to $153,296 at the 90th percentile — a $95,920 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $59,840, while senior veterinarians with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $136,400. With a population of 126,254, Columbia is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Veterinarian Salary in Columbia by Experience

In Columbia, an entry-level veterinarian earns around $59,840, while experienced professionals earn up to $136,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$59,840
$-8,160 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$92,400
$-12,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$136,400
$-18,600 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Columbia, MO

Percentile Columbia
10th Percentile $57,376
25th Percentile $70,752
Median (50th) $90,869
75th Percentile $118,272
90th Percentile $153,296

Veterinarian Salary in Other Missouri Cities

Kansas City, MO
$94,999
Pop. 508,090
Saint Louis, MO
$92,934
Pop. 301,578
Independence, MO
$87,771
Pop. 123,011
Springfield, MO
$84,673
Pop. 169,176

How to Become a Veterinarian in Columbia

Education

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

Find Veterinarian Jobs in Columbia

Browse open veterinarian positions in Columbia, MO:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Veterinarian Salary in Columbia

How much does a Veterinarian make in Columbia, MO? ▼
The median veterinarian salary in Columbia, Missouri is $90,869 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $103,260. Salaries range from $57,376 (10th percentile) to $153,296 (90th percentile).
How much does a Veterinarian make per hour in Columbia? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $90,869, a veterinarian in Columbia earns approximately $44 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Columbia compare to the Missouri state average for veterinarian pay? ▼
Columbia's median veterinarian salary of $90,869 is 0.0% above the Missouri state average of $90,869. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Columbia, MO? ▼
Columbia has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a veterinarian salary of $90,869 in Columbia has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a veterinarian in Columbia? ▼
Most veterinarian positions in Columbia 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.