Boston vs Barnstable Town: Veterinarian Salary (2026)
Compare veterinarian salaries between Boston, MA and Barnstable Town, MA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Boston, MA | Barnstable Town, MA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $146,623 | $173,182▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $70.49 | $83.27▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $87,858 | $105,359▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $131,623 | $132,151▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $187,812 | $201,493▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $296,729▲ | $293,077 |
| Total Employed | 1,540▲ | 100 |
Verdict
Boston and Barnstable Town are closely matched on overall veterinarian compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Boston and Barnstable Town is $26,559 (18.11%). Barnstable Town's median is +26.10% compared to the US national median of $137,334.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Boston spans $208,871,Barnstable Town spans $187,718. Boston has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Barnstable Town ($176,086 effective) pays 30.02% more than Boston ($135,428 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Boston if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($296,729)
- ✓Larger job market (1,540 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Choose Barnstable Town if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($173,182/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $176,086)
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinarian salaries in Boston grew 31.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 60.3% growth in Barnstable Town over the same period.
Boston, MA
$105,650 (2019) → $138,900 (2025)
Barnstable Town, MA
$102,370 (2019) → $164,060 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Boston, MA
Barnstable Town, MA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays veterinarians more: Boston or Barnstable Town?
What is the hourly rate difference between Boston and Barnstable Town?
Should I relocate from Boston to Barnstable Town as a veterinarian?
What do entry-level veterinarians earn in Boston vs Barnstable Town?
Related Comparisons
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