Entry-Level Veterinarian Salary in Everett, WA: $98,543 (2026)
Quick Answer:New veterinarians entering the Everett, WA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $98,543 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1131, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Everett's local price level (BEA RPP 107.4 — 7% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $91,753 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($169,902) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
The starting veterinarian salary in Everett, WA is expected to be competitive, with entry-level positions projected to earn around $98,543 in 2026. This starting pay sets a noticeable gap from the city's median annual salary of $169,902, reflecting the typical earnings for more experienced veterinarians. For recent graduates, there is a clear growth path, as many may reach $126,583 within their first few years, positioning them well toward the median as they gain experience and develop their skills. As the demand for veterinary care continues to rise and the expected annual growth rate in the industry is around 5.56%, Everett presents an encouraging market for new graduates entering the profession.
About the Everett Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($142,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Everett
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Everett
Entry-level veterinarians in Everett, WA typically start between $98,543 and $126,583 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $164,805 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $169,902 — 23.71% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average veterinary medicine program cost in Washington of $220,000 represents just 223.25% of the starting veterinarian pay ($98,543/year) in Everett. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on AVMA Council on Education (COE)-accredited DVM program data from AAVMC cost comparison tool and state veterinary college reports. Tuition-only totals for the 4-year DVM curriculum; resident vs. non-resident rates vary substantially.
DVM Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Everett
- 1Research the Everett market: entry-level veterinarian pay ranges from $98,543 to $126,583, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the veterinary medicine field — employers in WA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Everett, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Everett for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Everett's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Veterinarian Compensation Range
The veterinarian wage spread in Everett is $164,805 ( 167.24%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $98,543, experienced hygienists can earn up to $263,348.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$73,349
2025 BLS Actual
$93,353
2026 Current Est.
$98,543
2019–2027 Growth
+41.8%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinarians in Everett (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.56% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $73,349 | Actual |
| 2020 | $76,645 | Actual |
| 2021 | $76,733 | Actual |
| 2022 | $78,741 | Actual |
| 2023 | $91,383 | Actual |
| 2024 | $89,886 | Actual |
| 2025 | $93,353 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $98,543 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $104,022 | Projected |
Entry-level veterinarian compensation (10th percentile) in Everett, WA grew 27.3% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $73,349 in 2019 to $93,353 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $104,022. New graduates entering the Everett job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Everett metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 5.56% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your veterinary medicine Career in Everett
Companies like VCA, BluePearl, and NVA are key players in Everett, often leading the hiring surge for new graduates. These corporate chains typically offer structured mentorship and benefits like sign-on bonuses, making them attractive options for DVM or VMD holders fresh out of AVMA-accredited programs. Conversely, independent practices might provide an expedited path to autonomy but fewer formal training programs. To elevate earning potential soon after graduation, securing a state veterinary license, passing the NAVLE, and considering a one-year rotating internship can significantly enhance qualifications. In the first few years, career development strategies could involve engaging with specialty boards like ACVS or ACVIM, especially since board-certified specialists often see earnings two to three times higher than general practitioners. Realistically, new graduates can expect their compensation incrementally increasing as they progress through the initial phases of their veterinary careers in this evolving corporate context.
More salary data for Everett, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for veterinarians in Everett in 2026?
How fast do veterinarian salaries grow in Everett?
Is veterinary medicine school worth it in Everett?
What do new veterinarians make right out of school in Everett?
How do I become a veterinarian in Washington?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Washington
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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new veterinary medicine graduates. A 5.56% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Everett. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Everett is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.56%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for veterinarians (SOC 29-1131).
Compiled and verified by Dr. Alice Nguyen, DVM, a licensed veterinarian with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov