Veterinarian Salary in Durham, North Carolina
The median veterinarian salary in Durham, NC is $98,097 per year, which is 5% below the national median and 3.3% above the North Carolina state average.
Veterinarian Pay in Durham: What to Expect (2026)
Durham offers a median veterinarian salary of $98,097, which is $3,098 above the North Carolina state average of $94,999. Compared to the national median of $103,260, Durham pays below the national benchmark for this role.
Durham's cost of living is 95% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.
The salary range for veterinarians in Durham spans from $61,940 at the 10th percentile to $165,490 at the 90th percentile — a $103,550 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $64,600, while senior veterinarians with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $147,250. With a population of 283,506, Durham is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.
Veterinarian Salary in Durham by Experience
In Durham, an entry-level veterinarian earns around $64,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $147,250 per year. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.
Salary Percentiles in Durham, NC
| Percentile | Durham |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $61,940 |
| 25th Percentile | $76,380 |
| Median (50th) | $98,097 |
| 75th Percentile | $127,680 |
| 90th Percentile | $165,490 |
Veterinarian Salary in Other North Carolina Cities
How to Become a Veterinarian in Durham
Education
Most veterinarian positions require a doctoral degree. Durham and the surrounding North Carolina area have institutions offering relevant programs.
Key Skills
Job Outlook
Nationally, veterinarian employment is projected to grow 19% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Durham may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find Veterinarian Jobs in Durham
Browse open veterinarian positions in Durham, NC: