Veterinarians Salary in California

How much does a Veterinarians make in California?

Last updated: 2024 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

$132,360

Median Annual Salary

$158,610

Mean Salary

$132,360

Median Salary

$63.63

Hourly Rate

7,690 people work as Veterinarians in California

About This Job: Veterinarians

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 Veterinarians salary in California adjusted for cost of living →

How much do you actually take home? See Veterinarians take-home pay in California after taxes →

Veterinarians Salary by State

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

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Veterinarians make in California?

The median annual salary for a Veterinarians in California is $132,360 as of 2024. The average (mean) salary is $158,610.

What is the starting salary for a Veterinarians in California?

Entry-level Veterinarians positions in California typically start around $80,110 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $105,250 (25th percentile).

How many people work as Veterinarians in California?

According to 2024 BLS data, approximately 7,690 people are employed as Veterinarians in California.

What is the hourly rate for a Veterinarians in California?

Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Veterinarians in California is approximately $63.63 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