Healthcare Pennsylvania (PA) Rank #21 of 50

Veterinarian Salary in Pennsylvania

The median veterinarian salary in Pennsylvania is $102,227 per year, which is 1% below the national median of $103,260.

Median Salary
$102,227
vs National
$-1,033
State Rank
#21 of 50
Cost of Living
96%

Veterinarian Salary Overview in Pennsylvania (2026)

Pennsylvania ranks #21 out of 50 states for veterinarian compensation. Pennsylvania falls in the middle of the pack for veterinarian pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $102,227 per year, veterinarians in Pennsylvania earn $1,033 less than the national median of $103,260.

Pennsylvania's cost of living is near the national average at 96%, meaning veterinarian salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.

The salary spread in Pennsylvania is significant: veterinarians at the 10th percentile earn $64,548, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $172,458 — a $107,910 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Pennsylvania for this role is Philadelphia, where the median reaches $108,423.

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 Pennsylvania and beyond.

Veterinarian Salary in Pennsylvania by Experience

In Pennsylvania, an entry-level veterinarian earns around $67,320, while experienced professionals earn up to $153,450 per year. The cost of living index in Pennsylvania is 96% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$67,320
$-680 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$103,950
$-1,050 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$153,450
$-1,550 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Pennsylvania

Percentile PA Salary
10th Percentile $64,548
25th Percentile $79,596
Median (50th) $102,227
75th Percentile $133,056
90th Percentile $172,458

Veterinarian Salary by City in Pennsylvania

The largest employment areas for veterinarians in Pennsylvania include Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Allentown, and Reading. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Veterinarian in Pennsylvania

Education

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

Key Skills

DiagnosisSurgeryPharmacologyAnimal HandlingClient CommunicationRadiology

Job Outlook in Pennsylvania

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Veterinarian Salary in Pennsylvania

How much does a Veterinarian make in Pennsylvania? ▼
The median veterinarian salary in Pennsylvania is $102,227 per year, which is 1% below the national median of $103,260. Salaries range from $64,548 (10th percentile) to $172,458 (90th percentile).
How much does a Veterinarian make per hour in Pennsylvania? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $102,227, a veterinarian in Pennsylvania earns approximately $49 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Pennsylvania a good state for veterinarians? ▼
Pennsylvania ranks #21 out of 50 states for veterinarian pay. The cost of living index is 96% of the national average. Entry-level veterinarians earn $67,320, while senior professionals earn $153,450.
How does Pennsylvania compare to other states for veterinarian salary? ▼
The highest paying state for veterinarians is Hawaii at $183,803. Pennsylvania's median of $102,227 ranks #21 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Maine ($103,260) and Nevada ($102,227).
What is the entry-level veterinarian salary in Pennsylvania? ▼
An entry-level veterinarian in Pennsylvania earns approximately $67,320 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $103,950. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $153,450.
What city in Pennsylvania pays veterinarians the most? ▼
Philadelphia is the highest paying city in Pennsylvania for veterinarians, with a median salary of $108,423. Other cities include Pittsburgh and Allentown.