Veterinarian Salary

Gaithersburg vs Lexington Park: Veterinarian Salary (2026)

Compare veterinarian salaries between Gaithersburg, MD and Lexington Park, MD. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Gaithersburg, MD
$151,202
$72.69/hr
Lexington Park, MD
$168,885
$81.20/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricGaithersburg, MDLexington Park, MD
Median Salary$151,202$168,885
Hourly Rate$72.69$81.20
Entry Level (P10)$87,697$113,308
25th Percentile$115,834$142,305
75th Percentile$193,539$182,524
Top Earner (P90)$234,363$217,179
Total Employed1450
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Gaithersburg ($151,202) and Lexington Park ($168,885) veterinarian salaries.GaithersburgLexington ParkMedian Salary$151,202$168,885Entry Level (P10)$87,697$113,308Top Earner (P90)$234,363$217,179US Median $137,334

Verdict

Lexington Park, MD offers better overall compensation for veterinarians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Gaithersburg.

The salary gap between Gaithersburg and Lexington Park is $17,683 (11.69%). Lexington Park's median is +22.97% compared to the US national median of $137,334.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Gaithersburg spans $146,666,Lexington Park spans $103,871. Gaithersburg has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Gaithersburg
P10 (Entry)$87,697
P25$115,834
Median$151,202
P75$193,539
P90 (Top)$234,363
Lexington Park
P10 (Entry)$113,308
P25$142,305
Median$168,885
P75$182,524
P90 (Top)$217,179

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Lexington Park ($167,611 effective) pays 21.16% more than Gaithersburg ($138,337 effective).

Gaithersburg
Nominal: $151,202
CoL Index: 109.3
Adjusted: $138,337
Lexington Park
Nominal: $168,885
CoL Index: 100.76
Adjusted: $167,611

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Gaithersburg if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($234,363)
  • You prefer the Maryland area and lifestyle

Choose Lexington Park if…

  • Higher median salary ($168,885/year)
  • Larger job market (50 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $167,611)
  • You prefer the Maryland area and lifestyle

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays veterinarians more: Gaithersburg or Lexington Park?

Lexington Park has a higher median veterinarian salary at $168,885/year, compared to Gaithersburg at $151,202/year — a difference of $17,683 (11.69%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Gaithersburg and Lexington Park?

Gaithersburg veterinarians earn $72.69/hr while Lexington Park hygienists earn $81.20/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Gaithersburg to Lexington Park as a veterinarian?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Gaithersburg and Lexington Park. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Gaithersburg = $138,337, Lexington Park = $167,611), job availability (14 vs 50 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level veterinarians earn in Gaithersburg vs Lexington Park?

Entry-level (10th percentile) veterinarians earn $87,697 in Gaithersburg and $113,308 in Lexington Park. The Lexington Park area offers higher starting salaries.
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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.

Clinically reviewed by Dr. Samuel Patel, DVMData verified by Dr. Maria Gomez, DVM

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