Veterinarian Salary in Sacramento

2026 compensation data for Veterinarian positions in Sacramento, CA. Ranges from $89,000 (entry-level) to $200,000 (senior). Median: $128,000.

Median (Mid)

$128,000

$61.54/hr

vs National

+6%

US: $121,000

COL Index

125

vs US avg = 100

Senior Max

$200,000

Top of band

Salary Ranges by Experience Level

Entry-Level (0–2 years)$89,000$113,000
$89KMedian: $100,000$113K
Mid-Level (3–5 years)$110,000$147,000
$110KMedian: $128,000$147K
Senior (6+ years)$147,000$200,000
$147KMedian: $170,000$200K

Detailed Compensation Breakdown

LevelAnnual MinAnnual MedianAnnual MaxHourly (Median)
Entry-Level (0–2 yrs)$89,000$100,000$113,000$48.08/hr
Mid-Level (3–5 yrs)$110,000$128,000$147,000$61.54/hr
Senior (6+ yrs)$147,000$170,000$200,000$81.73/hr

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What Your Salary Is Really Worth in Sacramento

A mid-level veterinarian earning $128,000 in Sacramento has the same buying power as $102,000 in an average US city, after adjusting for the local cost of living (COL index 125).

Cost of living comparisons use a base of 100 (US national average). Higher index = higher housing, transport, and consumer prices.

About Veterinarian Salaries in Sacramento

Diagnose, treat, and prevent diseases and injuries in animals across companion, livestock, and specialty practices. This page covers veterinarian compensation specifically in Sacramento, CA.

The median veterinarian salary in Sacramento, CA is $128,000 for mid-level professionals, which is 6% above the national median. With a cost of living index of 125 (national average = 100), Sacramento offers a moderate cost of living with competitive salaries.

Entry-level veterinarians in Sacramento can expect to earn between $89,000 and $113,000 (about $48.08/hour), while senior professionals with 6+ years of experience earn up to $200,000 ($200K annually, or about $96.15/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 Sacramento.

Frequently Asked Questions: Veterinarian Salary in Sacramento

What is the average Veterinarian salary in Sacramento?+

The average Veterinarian salary in Sacramento is $128,000 for a mid-level professional (3–5 years of experience). Entry-level pay starts around $100,000 and senior-level pay reaches $170,000.

How much does an entry-level veterinarian make in Sacramento?+

Entry-level veterinarians in Sacramento earn between $89,000 and $113,000, with a median of $100,000 per year (about $48.08/hour).

What is the hourly rate for a Veterinarian in Sacramento?+

Based on a 2,080-hour work year, a Veterinarian in Sacramento earns roughly $48.08/hour at entry-level, $61.54/hour at mid-level, and $81.73/hour at senior-level.

Is the Veterinarian salary in Sacramento higher than the US average?+

Yes — Veterinarian salaries in Sacramento are about 6% higher than the US national median of $121,000.

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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