Reno vs Sparks: Veterinarian Salary (2026)
Compare veterinarian salaries between Reno, NV and Sparks, NV. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Reno, NV | Sparks, NV |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $132,509 | $136,201▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $63.71 | $65.48▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $105,571▲ | $78,997 |
| 25th Percentile | $122,914▲ | $108,402 |
| 75th Percentile | $165,550 | $174,338▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $180,592 | $211,112▲ |
| Total Employed | 150▲ | 28 |
Verdict
Sparks, NV offers better overall compensation for veterinarians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Reno.
The salary gap between Reno and Sparks is $3,692 (2.79%). Sparks's median is -0.82% compared to the US national median of $137,334.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Reno spans $75,021,Sparks spans $132,115. Sparks 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, Sparks ($138,556 effective) pays 5.62% more than Reno ($131,179 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Reno if…
- ✓Larger job market (150 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Nevada area and lifestyle
Choose Sparks if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($136,201/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($211,112)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $138,556)
- ✓You prefer the Nevada area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinarian salaries in Reno grew 28.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 4.9% growth in Sparks over the same period.
Reno, NV
$98,090 (2019) → $125,530 (2025)
Sparks, NV
$122,978 (2024) → $129,027 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays veterinarians more: Reno or Sparks?
What is the hourly rate difference between Reno and Sparks?
Should I relocate from Reno to Sparks as a veterinarian?
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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