California pays veterinarians more than any other state — its $158,950 median leads all 48 states and D.C. reporting wage data.
California employs roughly 10.6% of all veterinarians in the country (8,510 workers).
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $79,710 | $38.32 |
| 25th percentile | $122,650 | $58.97 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $158,950 | $76.42 |
| 75th percentile | $207,240 | $99.63 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | N/A | N/A |
| Mean (average) | $168,280 | $80.91 |
How California Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. California |
|---|---|---|
| California (current) | $158,950 | n/a |
| Washington | $155,060 | -2% |
| District of Columbia | $153,200 | -4% |
| New Jersey | $148,550 | -7% |
| West Virginia | $134,290 | -16% |
| Vermont | $134,240 | -16% |
| Arizona | $132,810 | -16% |
| Massachusetts | $131,500 | -17% |
| New York | $131,330 | -17% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in California
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Database Architects | $159,130 | 5,850 |
| Physician Assistants | $161,080 | 13,570 |
| Public Relations Managers | $156,340 | 9,140 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives | $162,740 | 12,980 |
| Electronics Engineers, Except Computer | $154,670 | 19,560 |
| Pharmacists | $165,150 | 34,490 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Veterinarians salary in California?
The mean veterinarians salary in California is $168,280 per year. The median (middle) salary is $158,950 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Veterinarians in California?
Entry-level veterinarianss (10th percentile) in California typically earn around $79,710 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $122,650 per year.
What is the highest Veterinarians salary in California?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in California make approximately N/A per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $207,240 per year.
How does the California Veterinarians salary compare to the national average?
The median veterinarians salary in California is $158,950, which is +27% above national average of $125,510.