Veterinarian Salary in Folsom, CA: $175,628 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinarian in Folsom, CA earns a median $175,628/year (≈ $84.44/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1131). Once you factor in Folsom's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $155,286 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.1% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Veterinarians in Folsom, California, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $175,628 in 2026, significantly above the national median of $137,334. The local salary range varies widely, spanning from $101,864 at the 10th percentile to $272,222 at the 90th percentile. These projections, derived from 2025 BLS state-level data adjusted for regional price differences, highlight the potential for lucrative earnings within specialized fields. With the increasing demand for advanced skills, including those recognized by specialty board certifications in surgery, internal medicine, or emergency critical care, Folsom's job market reflects a promising environment for both established practitioners and recent graduates seeking to make their mark in veterinary medicine.
About the Folsom Market
Salary estimated from California average ($156,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $101,864 | $48.97 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $132,287 | $63.60 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $175,628 | $84.44 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $222,575 | $107.01 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $272,222 | $130.87 |
Median Salary Position
27.88% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Folsom
In Folsom, CA, the veterinarian salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $170,358 (2026 est.). At $175,628, the local median is 27.88% above the national median of $137,334.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Folsom: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Folsom Veterinarian Pay Compares
Folsom median: $175,628/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Folsom Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $168,710 | +4.10% more |
| National Average | $137,334 | +27.88% more |
Veterinarians in Folsom, CA earn a median of $175,628 per year (2026 est.), which is 27.88% higher than the national median of $137,334 and 4.10% above the California state average of $168,710.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Folsom has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Folsom, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $175,628 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $155,286 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$122,078
2025 BLS Actual
$166,377
2026 Current Est.
$175,628
2019–2027 Growth
+51.9%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinarians in Folsom (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.56% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $122,078 | Actual |
| 2020 | $126,925 | Actual |
| 2021 | $128,357 | Actual |
| 2022 | $132,053 | Actual |
| 2023 | $152,310 | Actual |
| 2024 | $175,852 | Actual |
| 2025 | $166,377 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $175,628 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $185,392 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Folsom metropolitan area, the median veterinarian salary grew 36.3% from $122,078 (2019) to $166,377 (2025). At a 5.56% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $185,392 by 2027 — a total increase of $63,314 (51.86%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Folsom 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $101,864 – $132,287 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $132,287 – $175,628 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $175,628 – $222,575 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $222,575 – $272,222 |
DVM salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual veterinarian compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Veterinarian Job Market in Folsom
Employment levels within Folsom show that there are currently 17 veterinarians operating in the region, suggesting a relatively stable job market. However, the area's cost of living index sits at 113.1, signifying that while veterinary pay in Folsom CA is competitive, it also requires a careful consideration of expenses that could impact take-home income. To maximize earnings, veterinarians might consider employment at corporate chains, such as VCA or NVA, known for higher salaries and benefits, accounting for roughly 25% of the local market. Factors affecting the spread in pay include specialty board certifications, production-based compensation models, and the varying structures of practice ownership that can sway income potential. Emphasizing specialization, leveraging networking opportunities, and considering practice types can be vital strategies for veterinarians in Folsom aiming to enhance their compensation in this dynamic market.
More salary data for Folsom, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $166,377 for veterinariansin the Folsom metropolitan area. A 5.56% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Folsom 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