Veterinarian Salary in Raleigh
2026 compensation data for Veterinarian positions in Raleigh, NC. Ranges from $83,000 (entry-level) to $186,000 (senior). Median: $120,000.
Median (Mid)
$120,000
$57.69/hr
vs National
+6%
US: $113,000
COL Index
102
vs US avg = 100
Senior Max
$186,000
Top of band
Salary Ranges by Experience Level
Detailed Compensation Breakdown
| Level | Annual Min | Annual Median | Annual Max | Hourly (Median) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level (0–2 yrs) | $83,000 | $93,000 | $106,000 | $44.71/hr |
| Mid-Level (3–5 yrs) | $103,000 | $120,000 | $137,000 | $57.69/hr |
| Senior (6+ yrs) | $137,000 | $159,000 | $186,000 | $76.44/hr |
What Your Salary Is Really Worth in Raleigh
A mid-level veterinarian earning $120,000 in Raleigh has the same buying power as $118,000 in an average US city, after adjusting for the local cost of living (COL index 102).
Cost of living comparisons use a base of 100 (US national average). Higher index = higher housing, transport, and consumer prices.
About Veterinarian Salaries in Raleigh
The median veterinarian salary in Raleigh, NC is $120,000 for mid-level professionals, which is 6% above the national median. With a cost of living index of 102 (national average = 100), Raleigh offers an affordable cost of living, making these salaries stretch further.
Entry-level veterinarians in Raleigh can expect to earn between $83,000 and $106,000 (about $44.71/hour), while senior professionals with 6+ years of experience earn up to $186,000 ($186K annually, or about $89.42/hour).
These figures represent base salary only and do not include bonuses, equity, or benefits, which can add 20–50% to total compensation — especially at technology companies and in competitive markets like Raleigh.
Frequently Asked Questions: Veterinarian Salary in Raleigh
What is the average Veterinarian salary in Raleigh?+
The average Veterinarian salary in Raleigh is $120,000 for a mid-level professional (3–5 years of experience). Entry-level pay starts around $93,000 and senior-level pay reaches $159,000.
How much does an entry-level veterinarian make in Raleigh?+
Entry-level veterinarians in Raleigh earn between $83,000 and $106,000, with a median of $93,000 per year (about $44.71/hour).
What is the hourly rate for a Veterinarian in Raleigh?+
Based on a 2,080-hour work year, a Veterinarian in Raleigh earns roughly $44.71/hour at entry-level, $57.69/hour at mid-level, and $76.44/hour at senior-level.
Is the Veterinarian salary in Raleigh higher than the US average?+
Yes — Veterinarian salaries in Raleigh are about 6% higher than the US national median of $113,000.
Does this include bonuses or equity?+
No — these figures are base salary only. Total compensation (base + bonus + equity + benefits) is typically 20–50% higher, and can be 2–3x at top technology and finance employers.
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