Lansing vs Pontiac: Veterinarian Salary (2026)
Compare veterinarian salaries between Lansing, MI and Pontiac, MI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lansing, MI | Pontiac, MI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $129,322▲ | $127,039 |
| Hourly Rate | $62.17▲ | $61.08 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $81,387▲ | $73,683 |
| 25th Percentile | $98,255 | $98,531▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $162,731▲ | $161,059 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $180,624 | $196,911▲ |
| Total Employed | 140▲ | 12 |
Verdict
Lansing, MI offers better overall compensation for veterinarians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Pontiac.
The salary gap between Lansing and Pontiac is $2,283 (1.80%). Lansing's median is -5.83% compared to the US national median of $137,334.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lansing spans $99,237,Pontiac spans $123,228. Pontiac 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, Pontiac ($136,308 effective) pays 0.12% more than Lansing ($136,141 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Lansing if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($129,322/year)
- ✓Larger job market (140 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle
Choose Pontiac if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($196,911)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $136,308)
- ✓You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinarian salaries in Lansing grew 17.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 15.3% growth in Pontiac over the same period.
Lansing, MI
$104,350 (2019) → $122,510 (2025)
Pontiac, MI
$104,398 (2024) → $120,348 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lansing, MI
Pontiac, MI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays veterinarians more: Lansing or Pontiac?
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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