Jacksonville vs Orlando: Veterinarian Salary (2026)
Compare veterinarian salaries between Jacksonville, FL and Orlando, FL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Jacksonville, FL | Orlando, FL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $141,250▲ | $139,804 |
| Hourly Rate | $67.91▲ | $67.21 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $66,556▲ | $65,901 |
| 25th Percentile | $101,570▲ | $100,356 |
| 75th Percentile | $177,562▲ | $173,973 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $223,766▲ | $217,147 |
| Total Employed | 470 | 570▲ |
Verdict
Jacksonville, FL offers better overall compensation for veterinarians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Orlando.
The salary gap between Jacksonville and Orlando is $1,446 (1.03%). Jacksonville's median is +2.85% compared to the US national median of $137,334.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Jacksonville spans $157,210,Orlando spans $151,246. Jacksonville 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, Jacksonville ($141,983 effective) pays 3.00% more than Orlando ($137,849 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Jacksonville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($141,250/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($223,766)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $141,983)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Choose Orlando if…
- ✓Larger job market (570 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinarian salaries in Jacksonville grew 50.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 46.0% growth in Orlando over the same period.
Jacksonville, FL
$89,220 (2019) → $133,810 (2025)
Orlando, FL
$90,730 (2019) → $132,440 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Jacksonville, FL
Orlando, FL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays veterinarians more: Jacksonville or Orlando?
What is the hourly rate difference between Jacksonville and Orlando?
Should I relocate from Jacksonville to Orlando as a veterinarian?
What do entry-level veterinarians earn in Jacksonville vs Orlando?
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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