Healthcare South Carolina (SC) Rank #41 of 50

Veterinarian Salary in South Carolina

The median veterinarian salary in South Carolina is $91,901 per year, which is 11% below the national median of $103,260.

Median Salary
$91,901
vs National
$-11,359
State Rank
#41 of 50
Cost of Living
89%

Veterinarian Salary Overview in South Carolina (2026)

South Carolina ranks #41 out of 50 states for veterinarian compensation. Veterinarian salaries in South Carolina are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $91,901 per year, veterinarians in South Carolina earn $11,359 less than the national median of $103,260.

A key advantage of working in South Carolina is its below-average cost of living (89% of the national index). This means the $91,901 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $103,260 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in South Carolina is significant: veterinarians at the 10th percentile earn $58,028, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $155,038 — a $97,010 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in South Carolina for this role is Mount Pleasant, 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 South Carolina and beyond.

Veterinarian Salary in South Carolina by Experience

In South Carolina, an entry-level veterinarian earns around $60,520, while experienced professionals earn up to $137,950 per year. The cost of living index in South Carolina is 89% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$60,520
$-7,480 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$93,450
$-11,550 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$137,950
$-17,050 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in South Carolina

Percentile SC Salary
10th Percentile $58,028
25th Percentile $71,556
Median (50th) $91,901
75th Percentile $119,616
90th Percentile $155,038

Veterinarian Salary by City in South Carolina

The largest employment areas for veterinarians in South Carolina include Charleston, Columbia, Greenville, and North Charleston. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Veterinarian in South Carolina

Education

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

Key Skills

DiagnosisSurgeryPharmacologyAnimal HandlingClient CommunicationRadiology

Job Outlook in South Carolina

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Veterinarian Salary in South Carolina

How much does a Veterinarian make in South Carolina? ▼
The median veterinarian salary in South Carolina is $91,901 per year, which is 11% below the national median of $103,260. Salaries range from $58,028 (10th percentile) to $155,038 (90th percentile).
How much does a Veterinarian make per hour in South Carolina? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $91,901, a veterinarian in South Carolina earns approximately $44 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is South Carolina a good state for veterinarians? ▼
South Carolina ranks #41 out of 50 states for veterinarian pay. The cost of living index is 89% of the national average. Entry-level veterinarians earn $60,520, while senior professionals earn $137,950.
How does South Carolina compare to other states for veterinarian salary? ▼
The highest paying state for veterinarians is Hawaii at $183,803. South Carolina's median of $91,901 ranks #41 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Wyoming ($92,934) and Iowa ($91,901).
What is the entry-level veterinarian salary in South Carolina? ▼
An entry-level veterinarian in South Carolina earns approximately $60,520 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $93,450. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $137,950.
What city in South Carolina pays veterinarians the most? ▼
Mount Pleasant is the highest paying city in South Carolina for veterinarians, with a median salary of $108,423. Other cities include Charleston and Columbia.