Veterinarian Salary in San Diego
2026 compensation data for Veterinarian positions in San Diego, CA. Ranges from $95,000 (entry-level) to $213,000 (senior). Median: $137,000.
Median (Mid)
$137,000
$65.87/hr
vs National
+6%
US: $129,000
COL Index
140
vs US avg = 100
Senior Max
$213,000
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) | $95,000 | $106,000 | $121,000 | $50.96/hr |
| Mid-Level (3–5 yrs) | $118,000 | $137,000 | $157,000 | $65.87/hr |
| Senior (6+ yrs) | $157,000 | $181,000 | $213,000 | $87.02/hr |
What Your Salary Is Really Worth in San Diego
A mid-level veterinarian earning $137,000 in San Diego has the same buying power as $98,000 in an average US city, after adjusting for the local cost of living (COL index 140).
Cost of living comparisons use a base of 100 (US national average). Higher index = higher housing, transport, and consumer prices.
About Veterinarian Salaries in San Diego
The median veterinarian salary in San Diego, CA is $137,000 for mid-level professionals, which is 6% above the national median. With a cost of living index of 140 (national average = 100), San Diego offers a high cost of living that partially offsets the salary premium.
Entry-level veterinarians in San Diego can expect to earn between $95,000 and $121,000 (about $50.96/hour), while senior professionals with 6+ years of experience earn up to $213,000 ($213K annually, or about $102.4/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 San Diego.
Frequently Asked Questions: Veterinarian Salary in San Diego
What is the average Veterinarian salary in San Diego?+
The average Veterinarian salary in San Diego is $137,000 for a mid-level professional (3–5 years of experience). Entry-level pay starts around $106,000 and senior-level pay reaches $181,000.
How much does an entry-level veterinarian make in San Diego?+
Entry-level veterinarians in San Diego earn between $95,000 and $121,000, with a median of $106,000 per year (about $50.96/hour).
What is the hourly rate for a Veterinarian in San Diego?+
Based on a 2,080-hour work year, a Veterinarian in San Diego earns roughly $50.96/hour at entry-level, $65.87/hour at mid-level, and $87.02/hour at senior-level.
Is the Veterinarian salary in San Diego higher than the US average?+
Yes — Veterinarian salaries in San Diego are about 6% higher than the US national median of $129,000.
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.
Negotiating a Veterinarian offer in San Diego?
Get personalized AI coaching based on real market data.
Veterinarian Salaries in Other Cities
Other Roles in San Diego
Know Your Worth as a Veterinarian in San Diego
You now have the data. Use our free AI negotiation coach to turn it into a strategy — get scripts, market context, and expert tactics for your specific situation.
Free · No signup · Instant answers