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Veterinarian Salary in Los Angeles, CA

How much does a veterinarian make in Los Angeles? Explore median, entry-level, and senior salaries adjusted for Los Angeles's cost of living.

Median Salary
$138,430
per year in Los Angeles
Entry Level
$89,650
Starting salary
Senior Level
$191,165
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
166
66% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

See how veterinarian salaries break down across different pay periods in Los Angeles.

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$89,650$138,430$191,165
Monthly$7,471$11,536$15,930
Biweekly$3,448$5,324$7,353
Weekly$1,724$2,662$3,676
Hourly$43$67$92

Los Angeles vs National Average

How Los Angeles's veterinarian salaries compare to national figures.

Los Angeles Salary
$138,430
COL Index: 166
National Average
$133,850
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$4,580
Higher in Los Angeles

Cost of Living in Los Angeles

1-Bedroom Rent
$2,500
per month
Median Income
$65,290
per year
Population
3,979,576
residents
Rent % of Income
45.9%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 166 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Los Angeles have been adjusted to account for local cost differences.

About Veterinarian

Overview

Provide medical care for animals including diagnosis and treatment.

Education

Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM); licensure required

Key Skills

Animal CareMedical KnowledgeSurgeryClient Communication

Growth Rate

Expected job growth: +16% over the next decade

Compare Cities: Veterinarian Salary

See Veterinarian salaries in other top cities.

New York, NY
$154,350
+12%
Chicago, IL
$134,430
-3%
Houston, TX
$124,630
-10%
Phoenix, AZ
$138,420
0%
Philadelphia, PA
$133,340
-4%

Financial Tools to Explore

Use these Pulsafi calculators to understand your finances based on a veterinarian salary in Los Angeles.

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Cost of Living Calculator

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Rent vs Buy Calculator

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Veterinarian Salary in Los Angeles, CA — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a veterinarian in Los Angeles, CA is $138,430 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 166. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Los Angeles's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level veterinarian professionals in Los Angeles can expect to earn around $89,650 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level veterinarians earning approximately $191,165 per year. This represents a 113% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Los Angeles's cost of living index of 166 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Los Angeles are adjusted accordingly. This means that while the nominal salary may appear higher or lower than the national average of $133,850, the actual purchasing power must be considered in context.

Housing and Affordability

A significant portion of a veterinarian's salary in Los Angeles typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $2,500 per month, housing represents about 21.7% of median salary. Financial experts generally recommend keeping housing expenses below 30% of gross income.

Career Growth and Opportunities

Veterinarians are in growing demand across the United States, with an expected job growth of 16% over the next decade. In Los Angeles, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.

Source: BLS OEWS May 2024Metro-level wage data for this occupation and area
Data source: Salary data on this page are sourced from Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program May 2024 estimates. Figures are approximate and intended for informational purposes only. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, education, certifications, and local market conditions. This page does not constitute financial or career advice. For the most current wage data, visit bls.gov.