Richmond vs Springfield: Veterinarian Salary (2026)
Compare veterinarian salaries between Richmond, VA and Springfield, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Richmond, VA | Springfield, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $128,435▲ | $121,932 |
| Hourly Rate | $61.75▲ | $58.62 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $85,577▲ | $75,388 |
| 25th Percentile | $100,683▲ | $98,552 |
| 75th Percentile | $174,955▲ | $154,705 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $228,136▲ | $188,996 |
| Total Employed | 420▲ | 8 |
Verdict
Richmond, VA offers better overall compensation for veterinarians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Springfield.
The salary gap between Richmond and Springfield is $6,503 (5.33%). Richmond's median is -6.48% compared to the US national median of $137,334.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Richmond spans $142,559,Springfield spans $113,608. Richmond 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, Richmond ($131,246 effective) pays 11.08% more than Springfield ($118,151 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Richmond if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($128,435/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($228,136)
- ✓Larger job market (420 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $131,246)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Springfield if…
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinarian salaries in Richmond grew 31.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -1.5% growth in Springfield over the same period.
Richmond, VA
$92,580 (2019) → $121,670 (2025)
Springfield, VA
$117,230 (2024) → $115,510 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Richmond, VA
Springfield, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays veterinarians more: Richmond or Springfield?
What is the hourly rate difference between Richmond and Springfield?
Should I relocate from Richmond to Springfield as a veterinarian?
What do entry-level veterinarians earn in Richmond 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