Healthcare Seattle, WA Pop. 737,015

Veterinarian Salary in Seattle, Washington

The median veterinarian salary in Seattle, WA is $156,955 per year, which is 52.0% above the national median and 27.7% above the Washington state average.

City Median
$156,955
vs State Avg
+$34,076
vs National
+$53,695
Cost of Living
148%

Veterinarian Pay in Seattle: What to Expect (2026)

Seattle offers a median veterinarian salary of $156,955, which is $34,076 above the Washington state average of $122,879. Compared to the national median of $103,260, Seattle pays above average for this role.

However, Seattle's cost of living index is 148%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $156,955 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $106,051. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Seattle should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for veterinarians in Seattle spans from $99,104 at the 10th percentile to $264,784 at the 90th percentile — a $165,680 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $103,360, while senior veterinarians with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $235,600. As a major metro area with a population of 737,015, Seattle typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Veterinarian Salary in Seattle by Experience

In Seattle, an entry-level veterinarian earns around $103,360, while experienced professionals earn up to $235,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 148% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$103,360
+$35,360 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$159,600
+$54,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$235,600
+$80,600 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Seattle, WA

Percentile Seattle
10th Percentile $99,104
25th Percentile $122,208
Median (50th) $156,955
75th Percentile $204,288
90th Percentile $264,784

Veterinarian Salary in Other Washington Cities

Bellevue, WA
$161,086
Pop. 151,854
Tacoma, WA
$117,716
Pop. 219,346
Vancouver, WA
$109,456
Pop. 190,915
Spokane, WA
$99,130
Pop. 228,989

How to Become a Veterinarian in Seattle

Education

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

Find Veterinarian Jobs in Seattle

Browse open veterinarian positions in Seattle, WA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Veterinarian Salary in Seattle

How much does a Veterinarian make in Seattle, WA? ▼
The median veterinarian salary in Seattle, Washington is $156,955 per year, which is 52.0% above the national median of $103,260. Salaries range from $99,104 (10th percentile) to $264,784 (90th percentile).
How much does a Veterinarian make per hour in Seattle? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $156,955, a veterinarian in Seattle earns approximately $75 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Seattle compare to the Washington state average for veterinarian pay? ▼
Seattle's median veterinarian salary of $156,955 is 27.7% above the Washington state average of $122,879. The local cost of living index is 148% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Seattle, WA? ▼
Seattle has a cost of living index of 148% compared to the national average. This means a veterinarian salary of $156,955 in Seattle has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a veterinarian in Seattle? ▼
Most veterinarian positions in Seattle 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.