Arlington vs Boston: Veterinarian Salary (2026)
Compare veterinarian salaries between Arlington, MA and Boston, MA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Arlington, MA | Boston, MA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $140,304 | $146,623▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $67.45 | $70.49▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $81,376 | $87,858▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $108,806 | $131,623▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $176,581 | $187,812▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $217,472 | $296,729▲ |
| Total Employed | 9 | 1,540▲ |
Verdict
Boston, MA offers better overall compensation for veterinarians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Arlington.
The salary gap between Arlington and Boston is $6,319 (4.50%). Boston's median is +6.76% compared to the US national median of $137,334.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Arlington spans $136,096,Boston spans $208,871. Boston has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced veterinarians.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Boston ($135,428 effective) pays 4.73% more than Arlington ($129,312 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Arlington if…
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Choose Boston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($146,623/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($296,729)
- ✓Larger job market (1,540 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $135,428)
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinarian salaries in Arlington grew -12.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 31.5% growth in Boston over the same period.
Arlington, MA
$151,773 (2024) → $132,914 (2025)
Boston, MA
$105,650 (2019) → $138,900 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Arlington, MA
Boston, MA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays veterinarians more: Arlington or Boston?
What is the hourly rate difference between Arlington and Boston?
Should I relocate from Arlington to Boston as a veterinarian?
What do entry-level veterinarians earn in Arlington vs Boston?
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Written by Dr. Alice Nguyen, DVM
Career Analyst
Dr. Alice Nguyen has 10 years of experience in veterinary medicine. She specializes in small animal surgery. She currently works at a suburban veterinary clinic.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.56% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Dr. Alice Nguyen, DVM, a licensed veterinarian with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov