Veterinarian Salary in Matthews, NC: $134,691 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinarian in Matthews, NC earns a median $134,691/year (≈ $64.75/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1131). Once you factor in Matthews's price level (6% below national, BEA RPP 93.6), that paycheck buys what $143,901 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.1% below the North Carolina state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, veterinarians in Matthews, North Carolina, can expect a median annual salary of $134,691, a figure slightly below the national median of $137,334. The salary range in Matthews varies significantly, with entry-level positions starting around $78,121 and top earners potentially reaching as high as $208,771. These estimates are derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional cost of living considerations in Matthews. The area’s market demonstrates a strong production-based compensation model, meaning that many veterinarians’ earnings are linked to the revenue generated by their practices. Given the local context, this points to a competitive job market, where veterinarians who can effectively manage practice growth and client relationships may significantly enhance their earning potential.
About the Matthews Market
Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($112,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $78,121 | $37.56 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $105,031 | $50.50 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $134,691 | $64.75 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $167,173 | $80.37 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $208,771 | $100.37 |
Median Salary Position
1.92% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Matthews
In Matthews, NC, the veterinarian salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $130,650 (2026 est.). At $134,691, the local median is 1.92% below the national median of $137,334.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Matthews: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Matthews Veterinarian Pay Compares
Matthews median: $134,691/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Matthews Pays |
|---|---|---|
| North Carolina Average | $136,189 | -1.10% less |
| National Average | $137,334 | -1.92% less |
Veterinarians in Matthews, NC earn a median of $134,691 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.92% lower than the national median of $137,334 and 1.10% below the North Carolina state average of $136,189.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Matthews has a cost of living 6.40% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Matthews, NC has a cost-of-living index of 93.6 (below the national average of 100). A veterinarian earning $134,691 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $143,901 in an average-cost city — an effective 6.84% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$93,623
2025 BLS Actual
$127,597
2026 Current Est.
$134,691
2019–2027 Growth
+51.9%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinarians in Matthews (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.56% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $93,623 | Actual |
| 2020 | $97,341 | Actual |
| 2021 | $98,439 | Actual |
| 2022 | $101,273 | Actual |
| 2023 | $116,809 | Actual |
| 2024 | $103,627 | Actual |
| 2025 | $127,597 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $134,691 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $142,180 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Matthews metropolitan area, the median veterinarian salary grew 36.3% from $93,623 (2019) to $127,597 (2025). At a 5.56% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $142,180 by 2027 — a total increase of $48,557 (51.86%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Matthews 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) | $78,121 – $105,031 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $105,031 – $134,691 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $134,691 – $167,173 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $167,173 – $208,771 |
DVM salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual veterinarian compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Veterinarian Job Market in Matthews
With only eight veterinarians currently employed in Matthews, the local market is relatively small, contributing to a unique compensation dynamic. The cost of living index in Matthews stands at 93.6, indicating more affordable living expenses compared to the national average, which positively affects take-home purchasing power for veterinarians. Employers such as corporate small animal clinics like VCA and BluePearl, which make up about 25% of the market, often offer higher salaries due to their structured compensation packages and potential for sign-on bonuses ranging from $50,000 to $150,000 for new graduates. However, independent practices and those with specialty board certifications, particularly in surgery or internal medicine, can also provide significant compensation opportunities due to lower overhead costs and the ability to attract a loyal client base. Veterinarians aiming to maximize their pay in Matthews may benefit from pursuing specialty certification, considering ownership opportunities, and aligning themselves with practices that emphasize a proactive revenue-generating approach.
More salary data for Matthews, NC:
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 $127,597 for veterinariansin the Matthews 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 Matthews 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