Veterinarian Salary in Kalispell, MT: $126,149 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinarian in Kalispell, MT earns a median $126,149/year (≈ $60.64/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1131). Once you factor in Kalispell's price level (4% below national, BEA RPP 96.2), that paycheck buys what $131,132 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.5% below the Montana state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, veterinarians in Kalispell, Montana, can anticipate a median salary of $126,149, which reflects a notable contrast to the national median of $137,334. Salaries in the area range from $74,215 at the 10th percentile to $191,659 for those in the 90th percentile, underscoring a significant potential for variation based on experience and specialization. These figures are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional cost factors. As Kalispell's veterinary market comprises various practice types, the local demand for specialists, particularly in areas like surgery or emergency care, can significantly impact earning potential.
About the Kalispell Market
Salary estimated from Montana average ($114,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $74,215 | $35.68 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $99,415 | $47.80 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $126,149 | $60.64 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $153,650 | $73.87 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $191,659 | $92.14 |
Median Salary Position
8.14% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Kalispell
In Kalispell, MT, the veterinarian salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $117,444 (2026 est.). At $126,149, the local median is 8.14% below the national median of $137,334.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Kalispell: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Kalispell Veterinarian Pay Compares
Kalispell median: $126,149/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Kalispell Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Montana Average | $132,094 | -4.50% less |
| National Average | $137,334 | -8.14% less |
Veterinarians in Kalispell, MT earn a median of $126,149 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.14% lower than the national median of $137,334 and 4.50% below the Montana state average of $132,094.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Kalispell has a cost of living 3.80% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Kalispell, MT has a cost-of-living index of 96.2 (below the national average of 100). A veterinarian earning $126,149 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $131,132 in an average-cost city — an effective 3.95% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$87,686
2025 BLS Actual
$119,505
2026 Current Est.
$126,149
2019–2027 Growth
+51.9%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinarians in Kalispell (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.56% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $87,686 | Actual |
| 2020 | $91,167 | Actual |
| 2021 | $92,196 | Actual |
| 2022 | $94,851 | Actual |
| 2023 | $109,401 | Actual |
| 2024 | $104,717 | Actual |
| 2025 | $119,505 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $126,149 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $133,163 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Kalispell metropolitan area, the median veterinarian salary grew 36.3% from $87,686 (2019) to $119,505 (2025). At a 5.56% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $133,163 by 2027 — a total increase of $45,477 (51.86%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kalispell 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) | $74,215 – $99,415 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $99,415 – $126,149 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $126,149 – $153,650 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $153,650 – $191,659 |
DVM salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual veterinarian compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Veterinarian Job Market in Kalispell
Currently, there are four veterinarians employed in Kalispell, a figure that hints at a smaller, yet potentially competitive job market. The cost of living index in the area stands at 96.2, indicating a relatively affordable living environment that could enhance take-home purchasing power compared to higher-cost locations. Among local employers, corporate entities such as VCA and BluePearl dominate the landscape, often offering higher compensation packages compared to independent practices, especially for specialists. Factors like board certification in surgery or internal medicine can lead to substantially greater earnings, while new graduates might benefit from sign-on bonuses ranging from $50,000 to $150,000. To maximize pay, veterinarians should consider seeking employment with larger practices or corporations and pursue specialization, aligning with ongoing market trends and demands in Kalispell.
More salary data for Kalispell, MT:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do veterinarians make in Kalispell, MT in 2026?
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Can veterinarians make $100K in Kalispell?
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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 $119,505 for veterinariansin the Kalispell 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 Kalispell 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