Veterinarian Salary in Lawrence, KS: $126,233 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinarian in Lawrence, KS earns a median $126,233/year (≈ $60.69/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1131). Once you factor in Lawrence's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 90.9), that paycheck buys what $138,870 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.1% above the Kansas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, a veterinarian salary in Lawrence, Kansas, is projected to reach a median of $126,233, demonstrating a competitive edge when compared to the national median of $137,334. The salary range here extends from $73,215 at the 10th percentile to $195,661 for those at the 90th percentile, reflecting the variances in experience, expertise, and practice type. These figures are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for local economic factors, indicating how revenue generation significantly influences compensation in the veterinary field. With an annual growth rate of 5.56%, the job market for veterinarians in Lawrence shows promise, highlighting the city's evolving dynamics and demand for veterinary services.
About the Lawrence Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($102,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $73,215 | $35.20 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $102,110 | $49.10 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $126,233 | $60.69 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $159,431 | $76.65 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $195,661 | $94.06 |
Median Salary Position
8.08% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lawrence
In Lawrence, KS, the veterinarian salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $122,446 (2026 est.). At $126,233, the local median is 8.08% below the national median of $137,334.
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At 40 hours/week in Lawrence: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Lawrence Veterinarian Pay Compares
Lawrence median: $126,233/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Lawrence Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas Average | $124,859 | +1.10% more |
| National Average | $137,334 | -8.08% less |
Veterinarians in Lawrence, KS earn a median of $126,233 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.08% lower than the national median of $137,334 and 1.10% above the Kansas state average of $124,859.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Lawrence has a cost of living 9.10% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Lawrence, KS has a cost-of-living index of 90.9 (below the national average of 100). A veterinarian earning $126,233 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $138,870 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.01% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$74,780
2025 BLS Actual
$119,584
2026 Current Est.
$126,233
2019–2027 Growth
+78.2%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinarians in Lawrence (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.56% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $74,780 | Actual |
| 2020 | $78,350 | Actual |
| 2021 | $92,257 | Actual |
| 2022 | $94,913 | Actual |
| 2023 | $104,960 | Actual |
| 2024 | $93,755 | Actual |
| 2025 | $119,584 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $126,233 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $133,251 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Lawrence metropolitan area, the median veterinarian salary grew 59.9% from $74,780 (2019) to $119,584 (2025). At a 5.56% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $133,251 by 2027 — a total increase of $58,471 (78.19%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lawrence 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) | $73,215 – $102,110 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $102,110 – $126,233 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $126,233 – $159,431 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $159,431 – $195,661 |
DVM salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual veterinarian compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Veterinarian Job Market in Lawrence
In Lawrence, the job market currently employs approximately 22 veterinarians, presenting ample opportunity for both new graduates and established professionals. The cost of living index at 90.9 signals a below-average expense for residents, enhancing the purchasing power of wages earned in the area. Among local employers, corporate veterinary practices like VCA, BluePearl, and NVA typically offer higher pay, accounting for around 25% of the market, in contrast to independent clinics. Additionally, veterinarians with specialized board certifications or those who own practices often command significantly higher salaries than general practitioners. Factors such as production-based compensation structures and sign-on bonuses ranging from $50,000 to $150,000 for positions in high-demand areas also contribute to the disparities in pay. For those in the Lawrence market, pursuing specialty certifications or considering practice ownership can be effective strategies to maximize earning potential in this thriving veterinary landscape.
More salary data for Lawrence, KS:
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 $119,584 for veterinariansin the Lawrence 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 Lawrence 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