Liberty vs Springfield: Veterinarian Salary (2026)
Compare veterinarian salaries between Liberty, MO and Springfield, MO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Liberty, MO | Springfield, MO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $106,857 | $108,452▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $51.38 | $52.14▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $61,977 | $65,542▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $82,921 | $101,169▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $132,233 | $142,538▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $165,629 | $186,166▲ |
| Total Employed | 5 | 140▲ |
Verdict
Springfield, MO offers better overall compensation for veterinarians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Liberty.
The salary gap between Liberty and Springfield is $1,595 (1.49%). Springfield's median is -21.03% compared to the US national median of $137,334.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Liberty spans $103,652,Springfield spans $120,624. Springfield 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, Springfield ($122,427 effective) pays 2.66% more than Liberty ($119,260 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Liberty if…
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Choose Springfield if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($108,452/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($186,166)
- ✓Larger job market (140 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $122,427)
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinarian salaries in Liberty grew 8.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 20.7% growth in Springfield over the same period.
Liberty, MO
$93,597 (2024) → $101,229 (2025)
Springfield, MO
$85,120 (2019) → $102,740 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Liberty, MO
Springfield, MO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays veterinarians more: Liberty or Springfield?
What is the hourly rate difference between Liberty and Springfield?
Should I relocate from Liberty to Springfield as a veterinarian?
What do entry-level veterinarians earn in Liberty vs Springfield?
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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