Healthcare Arlington, VA Pop. 238,643

Veterinarian Salary in Arlington, Virginia

The median veterinarian salary in Arlington, VA is $138,368 per year, which is 34.0% above the national median and 26.4% above the Virginia state average.

City Median
$138,368
vs State Avg
+$28,912
vs National
+$35,108
Cost of Living
132%

Veterinarian Pay in Arlington: What to Expect (2026)

Arlington offers a median veterinarian salary of $138,368, which is $28,912 above the Virginia state average of $109,456. Compared to the national median of $103,260, Arlington pays above average for this role.

However, Arlington's cost of living index is 132%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $138,368 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $104,824. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Arlington should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for veterinarians in Arlington spans from $87,368 at the 10th percentile to $233,428 at the 90th percentile — a $146,060 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $91,120, while senior veterinarians with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $207,700. With a population of 238,643, Arlington is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Veterinarian Salary in Arlington by Experience

In Arlington, an entry-level veterinarian earns around $91,120, while experienced professionals earn up to $207,700 per year. The local cost of living index is 132% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$91,120
+$23,120 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$140,700
+$35,700 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$207,700
+$52,700 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Arlington, VA

Percentile Arlington
10th Percentile $87,368
25th Percentile $107,736
Median (50th) $138,368
75th Percentile $180,096
90th Percentile $233,428

Veterinarian Salary in Other Virginia Cities

Virginia Beach, VA
$107,390
Pop. 449,974
Richmond, VA
$105,325
Pop. 226,610
Chesapeake, VA
$103,260
Pop. 249,422
Norfolk, VA
$101,195
Pop. 238,005

How to Become a Veterinarian in Arlington

Education

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

Find Veterinarian Jobs in Arlington

Browse open veterinarian positions in Arlington, VA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Veterinarian Salary in Arlington

How much does a Veterinarian make in Arlington, VA? ▼
The median veterinarian salary in Arlington, Virginia is $138,368 per year, which is 34.0% above the national median of $103,260. Salaries range from $87,368 (10th percentile) to $233,428 (90th percentile).
How much does a Veterinarian make per hour in Arlington? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $138,368, a veterinarian in Arlington earns approximately $67 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Arlington compare to the Virginia state average for veterinarian pay? ▼
Arlington's median veterinarian salary of $138,368 is 26.4% above the Virginia state average of $109,456. The local cost of living index is 132% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Arlington, VA? ▼
Arlington has a cost of living index of 132% compared to the national average. This means a veterinarian salary of $138,368 in Arlington has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a veterinarian in Arlington? ▼
Most veterinarian positions in Arlington 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.