Veterinarian Salary in California

How much does a Veterinarian make in California?

Last updated: 2024 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

$158,950

Median Annual Salary

$168,280

Mean Salary

$158,950

Median Salary

$76.42

Hourly Rate

8,510 people work as Veterinarian in California

About This Job: Veterinarian

Diagnose, treat, or research diseases and injuries of animals. Includes veterinarians who conduct research and development, inspect livestock, or care for pets and companion animals.

Top Skills

Reading Comprehension

4.12

Active Listening

4.12

Active Learning

4.0

Speaking

3.88

Science

3.88

Key Knowledge Areas

Biology

4.69

Medicine and Dentistry

4.69

Customer and Personal Service

4.49

English Language

4.34

Mathematics

3.71

Typical Education: Doctoral Degree (79.2% of workers)

Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor

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What does this salary really buy? See Veterinarian salary in California adjusted for cost of living →

Veterinarian Salary by State

Compare Veterinarian pay across states — sorted by highest median salary.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Veterinarian make in California?

The median annual salary for a Veterinarian in California is $158,950 as of 2024. The average (mean) salary is $168,280.

What is the starting salary for a Veterinarian in California?

Entry-level Veterinarian positions in California typically start around $79,710 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $122,650 (25th percentile).

How many people work as Veterinarian in California?

According to 2024 BLS data, approximately 8,510 people are employed as Veterinarian in California.

What is the hourly rate for a Veterinarian in California?

Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Veterinarian in California is approximately $76.42 per hour.

Data Source & Methodology

Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, 2024 estimates. The OEWS survey covers approximately 1.1 million establishments nationwide.

Annual salaries are calculated based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, education, employer, and local market conditions. Figures do not include benefits, bonuses, or overtime pay.

Our Methodology · Data Sources · Source: BLS OEWS