Veterinarian Salary in Seattle
2026 compensation data for Veterinarian positions in Seattle, WA. Ranges from $104,000 (entry-level) to $232,000 (senior). Median: $149,000.
Median (Mid)
$149,000
$71.63/hr
vs National
+6%
US: $140,000
COL Index
155
vs US avg = 100
Senior Max
$232,000
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) | $104,000 | $116,000 | $132,000 | $55.77/hr |
| Mid-Level (3–5 yrs) | $128,000 | $149,000 | $171,000 | $71.63/hr |
| Senior (6+ yrs) | $171,000 | $198,000 | $232,000 | $95.19/hr |
What Your Salary Is Really Worth in Seattle
A mid-level veterinarian earning $149,000 in Seattle has the same buying power as $96,000 in an average US city, after adjusting for the local cost of living (COL index 155).
Cost of living comparisons use a base of 100 (US national average). Higher index = higher housing, transport, and consumer prices.
About Veterinarian Salaries in Seattle
The median veterinarian salary in Seattle, WA is $149,000 for mid-level professionals, which is 6% above the national median. With a cost of living index of 155 (national average = 100), Seattle offers a high cost of living that partially offsets the salary premium.
Entry-level veterinarians in Seattle can expect to earn between $104,000 and $132,000 (about $55.77/hour), while senior professionals with 6+ years of experience earn up to $232,000 ($232K annually, or about $111.54/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 Seattle.
Frequently Asked Questions: Veterinarian Salary in Seattle
What is the average Veterinarian salary in Seattle?+
The average Veterinarian salary in Seattle is $149,000 for a mid-level professional (3–5 years of experience). Entry-level pay starts around $116,000 and senior-level pay reaches $198,000.
How much does an entry-level veterinarian make in Seattle?+
Entry-level veterinarians in Seattle earn between $104,000 and $132,000, with a median of $116,000 per year (about $55.77/hour).
What is the hourly rate for a Veterinarian in Seattle?+
Based on a 2,080-hour work year, a Veterinarian in Seattle earns roughly $55.77/hour at entry-level, $71.63/hour at mid-level, and $95.19/hour at senior-level.
Is the Veterinarian salary in Seattle higher than the US average?+
Yes — Veterinarian salaries in Seattle are about 6% higher than the US national median of $140,000.
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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