Healthcare Rhode Island (RI) Rank #12 of 50

Veterinarian Salary in Rhode Island

The median veterinarian salary in Rhode Island is $111,521 per year, which is 8.0% above the national median of $103,260.

Median Salary
$111,521
vs National
+$8,261
State Rank
#12 of 50
Cost of Living
105%

Veterinarian Salary Overview in Rhode Island (2026)

Rhode Island ranks #12 out of 50 states for veterinarian compensation. Rhode Island falls in the middle of the pack for veterinarian pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $111,521 per year, veterinarians in Rhode Island earn $8,261 more than the national median of $103,260.

Rhode Island's cost of living is near the national average at 105%, meaning veterinarian salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.

The salary spread in Rhode Island is significant: veterinarians at the 10th percentile earn $70,416, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $188,136 — a $117,720 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Rhode Island for this role is Providence, where the median reaches $114,619.

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 Rhode Island and beyond.

Veterinarian Salary in Rhode Island by Experience

In Rhode Island, an entry-level veterinarian earns around $73,440, while experienced professionals earn up to $167,400 per year. The cost of living index in Rhode Island is 105% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$73,440
+$5,440 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$113,400
+$8,400 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$167,400
+$12,400 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Rhode Island

Percentile RI Salary
10th Percentile $70,416
25th Percentile $86,832
Median (50th) $111,521
75th Percentile $145,152
90th Percentile $188,136

Veterinarian Salary by City in Rhode Island

The largest employment areas for veterinarians in Rhode Island include Providence, Warwick, Cranston, and Pawtucket. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Veterinarian in Rhode Island

Education

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

Key Skills

DiagnosisSurgeryPharmacologyAnimal HandlingClient CommunicationRadiology

Job Outlook in Rhode Island

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Veterinarian Salary in Rhode Island

How much does a Veterinarian make in Rhode Island? ▼
The median veterinarian salary in Rhode Island is $111,521 per year, which is 8.0% above the national median of $103,260. Salaries range from $70,416 (10th percentile) to $188,136 (90th percentile).
How much does a Veterinarian make per hour in Rhode Island? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $111,521, a veterinarian in Rhode Island earns approximately $54 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Rhode Island a good state for veterinarians? ▼
Rhode Island ranks #12 out of 50 states for veterinarian pay. The cost of living index is 105% of the national average. Entry-level veterinarians earn $73,440, while senior professionals earn $167,400.
How does Rhode Island compare to other states for veterinarian salary? ▼
The highest paying state for veterinarians is Hawaii at $183,803. Rhode Island's median of $111,521 ranks #12 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Oregon ($115,651) and New Hampshire ($111,521).
What is the entry-level veterinarian salary in Rhode Island? ▼
An entry-level veterinarian in Rhode Island earns approximately $73,440 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $113,400. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $167,400.
What city in Rhode Island pays veterinarians the most? ▼
Providence is the highest paying city in Rhode Island for veterinarians, with a median salary of $114,619. Other cities include Warwick and Cranston.