Veterinarian Salary in Pomona, CA: $174,318 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinarian in Pomona, CA earns a median $174,318/year (≈ $83.80/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1131). Once you factor in Pomona's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $154,127 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.4% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, veterinarians in Pomona, California, can expect a median annual salary of $174,318, reflecting a significant increase compared to national figures, which hover around $137,334. The salary range for this profession varies widely, with the lowest 10% earning $101,104 and the top 90% reaching $270,192. These estimates are based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional price disparities in Pomona. As the veterinary field experiences shifts between corporate practices and independent clinics, the pay structure also evolves, often resulting in enhanced compensation for those in specialized roles within corporate frameworks, which dominate about 25% of the local market. Understanding these dynamics is key for veterinarians navigating their careers in Pomona.
About the Pomona Market
Salary estimated from California average ($156,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $101,104 | $48.61 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $133,469 | $64.17 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $174,318 | $83.80 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $222,792 | $107.11 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $270,192 | $129.90 |
Median Salary Position
26.93% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Pomona
In Pomona, CA, the veterinarian salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $169,088 (2026 est.). At $174,318, the local median is 26.93% above the national median of $137,334.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Pomona: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Pomona Veterinarian Pay Compares
Pomona median: $174,318/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Pomona Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $168,586 | +3.40% more |
| National Average | $137,334 | +26.93% more |
Veterinarians in Pomona, CA earn a median of $174,318 per year (2026 est.), which is 26.93% higher than the national median of $137,334 and 3.40% above the California state average of $168,586.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Pomona has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Pomona, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $174,318 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $154,127 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$121,167
2025 BLS Actual
$165,136
2026 Current Est.
$174,318
2019–2027 Growth
+51.9%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinarians in Pomona (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.56% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $121,167 | Actual |
| 2020 | $125,978 | Actual |
| 2021 | $127,400 | Actual |
| 2022 | $131,068 | Actual |
| 2023 | $151,174 | Actual |
| 2024 | $182,385 | Actual |
| 2025 | $165,136 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $174,318 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $184,010 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Pomona metropolitan area, the median veterinarian salary grew 36.3% from $121,167 (2019) to $165,136 (2025). At a 5.56% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $184,010 by 2027 — a total increase of $62,843 (51.86%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Pomona 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) | $101,104 – $133,469 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $133,469 – $174,318 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $174,318 – $222,792 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $222,792 – $270,192 |
DVM salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual veterinarian compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Veterinarian Job Market in Pomona
The local job market is supported by the presence of 36 practicing veterinarians, indicating a stable demand for services in the area. However, the cost of living index in Pomona stands at 113.1, which suggests that professionals must consider how far their salaries will stretch in relation to local expenses. Among the various types of practices, corporate chains like VCA and BluePearl tend to offer competitive compensation compared to independent clinics, while large animal practices and specialty hospitals often provide higher pay scales for board-certified veterinarians. The disparity in earnings can also arise from factors such as specialty board certifications and the production-based compensation models that many corporate entities utilize. To maximize earning potential, veterinarians in Pomona should consider pursuing additional certifications and exploring opportunities in high-demand practices, particularly those offering lucrative sign-on bonuses.
More salary data for Pomona, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do veterinarians make in Pomona, CA in 2026?
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Can veterinarians make $100K in Pomona?
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Related Pages
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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 $165,136 for veterinariansin the Pomona 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 Pomona 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