Veterinarian Salary in Winston-Salem, NC: $88,804 (2026)

Veterinarian Pay in Winston-Salem: What to Expect (2026)

Winston-Salem offers a median veterinarian salary of $88,804, which is $6,195 below the North Carolina state average of $94,999. Compared to the national median of $103,260, Winston-Salem pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Winston-Salem's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 86% of the national average. This means the $88,804 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $103,260 in an average-cost city. This makes Winston-Salem an attractive option for veterinarians seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for veterinarians in Winston-Salem spans from $56,072 at the 10th percentile to $149,812 at the 90th percentile — a $93,740 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $58,480, while senior veterinarians with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $133,300. With a population of 249,545, Winston-Salem is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Veterinarian Salary in Winston-Salem by Experience

In Winston-Salem, an entry-level veterinarian earns around $58,480, while experienced professionals earn up to $133,300 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$58,480

$-9,520 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$90,300

$-14,700 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$133,300

$-21,700 vs national

Percentile	Winston-Salem	NC State	National
10th Percentile	$56,072	$59,984	$65,200
25th Percentile	$69,144	$73,968	$80,400
Median (50th)	$88,804	$94,999	$103,260
75th Percentile	$115,584	$123,648	$134,400
90th Percentile	$149,812	$160,264	$174,200

Percentile

Winston-Salem

10th Percentile

$56,072

25th Percentile

$69,144

Median (50th)

$88,804

75th Percentile

$115,584

90th Percentile

$149,812

How to Become a Veterinarian in Winston-Salem

Education

Most veterinarian positions require a doctoral degree. Winston-Salem and the surrounding North Carolina 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 Winston-Salem may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Veterinarian Salary in Winston-Salem

How much does a Veterinarian make in Winston-Salem, NC? ▼

The median veterinarian salary in Winston-Salem, North Carolina is $88,804 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $103,260. Salaries range from $56,072 (10th percentile) to $149,812 (90th percentile).

How much does a Veterinarian make per hour in Winston-Salem? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $88,804, a veterinarian in Winston-Salem earns approximately $43 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Winston-Salem compare to the North Carolina state average for veterinarian pay? ▼

Winston-Salem's median veterinarian salary of $88,804 is 6.5% below the North Carolina state average of $94,999. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Winston-Salem, NC? ▼

Winston-Salem has a cost of living index of 86% compared to the national average. This means a veterinarian salary of $88,804 in Winston-Salem has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a veterinarian in Winston-Salem? ▼

Most veterinarian positions in Winston-Salem 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 Winston-Salem, North Carolina