Healthcare Philadelphia, PA Pop. 1,603,797

Veterinarian Salary in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

The median veterinarian salary in Philadelphia, PA is $108,423 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median and 6.1% above the Pennsylvania state average.

City Median
$108,423
vs State Avg
+$6,196
vs National
+$5,163
Cost of Living
102%

Veterinarian Pay in Philadelphia: What to Expect (2026)

Philadelphia offers a median veterinarian salary of $108,423, which is $6,196 above the Pennsylvania state average of $102,227. Compared to the national median of $103,260, Philadelphia pays above average for this role.

Philadelphia's cost of living is 102% 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 Philadelphia spans from $68,460 at the 10th percentile to $182,910 at the 90th percentile — a $114,450 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $71,400, while senior veterinarians with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $162,750. As a major metro area with a population of 1,603,797, Philadelphia typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Veterinarian Salary in Philadelphia by Experience

In Philadelphia, an entry-level veterinarian earns around $71,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $162,750 per year. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$71,400
+$3,400 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$110,250
+$5,250 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$162,750
+$7,750 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Philadelphia, PA

Percentile Philadelphia
10th Percentile $68,460
25th Percentile $84,420
Median (50th) $108,423
75th Percentile $141,120
90th Percentile $182,910

Veterinarian Salary in Other Pennsylvania Cities

Allentown, PA
$100,162
Pop. 126,092
Pittsburgh, PA
$99,130
Pop. 302,971
Reading, PA
$93,967
Pop. 95,112
Erie, PA
$89,836
Pop. 94,831

How to Become a Veterinarian in Philadelphia

Education

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

Find Veterinarian Jobs in Philadelphia

Browse open veterinarian positions in Philadelphia, PA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Veterinarian Salary in Philadelphia

How much does a Veterinarian make in Philadelphia, PA? ▼
The median veterinarian salary in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is $108,423 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median of $103,260. Salaries range from $68,460 (10th percentile) to $182,910 (90th percentile).
How much does a Veterinarian make per hour in Philadelphia? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $108,423, a veterinarian in Philadelphia earns approximately $52 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Philadelphia compare to the Pennsylvania state average for veterinarian pay? ▼
Philadelphia's median veterinarian salary of $108,423 is 6.1% above the Pennsylvania state average of $102,227. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Philadelphia, PA? ▼
Philadelphia has a cost of living index of 102% compared to the national average. This means a veterinarian salary of $108,423 in Philadelphia has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a veterinarian in Philadelphia? ▼
Most veterinarian positions in Philadelphia 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.