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Veterinarian Salary in Riverside, CA

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

Median Salary
$158,710
per year in Riverside
Entry Level
$102,784
Starting salary
Senior Level
$219,170
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
135
35% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$102,784$158,710$219,170
Monthly$8,565$13,226$18,264
Biweekly$3,953$6,104$8,430
Weekly$1,977$3,052$4,215
Hourly$49$76$105

Riverside vs National Average

How Riverside's veterinarian salaries compare to national figures.

Riverside Salary
$158,710
COL Index: 135
National Average
$133,850
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$24,860
Higher in Riverside

Cost of Living in Riverside

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,900
per month
Median Income
$57,234
per year
Population
314,998
residents
Rent % of Income
39.8%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 135 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Riverside 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
-3%
Los Angeles, CA
$138,430
-13%
Chicago, IL
$134,430
-15%
Houston, TX
$124,630
-21%
Phoenix, AZ
$138,420
-13%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Veterinarian Salary in Riverside, CA — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a veterinarian in Riverside, CA is $158,710 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 135. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Riverside's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level veterinarian professionals in Riverside can expect to earn around $102,784 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level veterinarians earning approximately $219,170 per year. This represents a 113% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Riverside's cost of living index of 135 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Riverside 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 Riverside typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,900 per month, housing represents about 14.4% 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 Riverside, 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.