Veterinarian Salary in Johnston, RI: $133,467 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinarian in Johnston, RI earns a median $133,467/year (≈ $64.17/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1131). Once you factor in Johnston's price level (1% above national, BEA RPP 100.5), that paycheck buys what $132,803 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.3% below the Rhode Island state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, veterinarians in Johnston, Rhode Island, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $133,467, which is slightly below the national median of $137,334. The salary range for veterinarian pay in Johnston RI spans from $83,506 at the 10th percentile to $206,873 at the 90th percentile, suggesting a significant disparity based on experience and specialization. These figures, based on 2025 BLS data projected to 2026, reflect local economic conditions and adjustments specific to the Johnston area. The evolving veterinary market indicates that production-based compensation has become a key determinant in shaping effective earnings, particularly as corporate consolidations influence pay structures and revenue generation practices.
About the Johnston Market
Salary estimated from Rhode Island average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $83,506 | $40.14 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $105,637 | $50.78 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $133,467 | $64.17 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $170,247 | $81.85 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $206,873 | $99.46 |
Median Salary Position
2.82% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Johnston
In Johnston, RI, the veterinarian salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $123,367 (2026 est.). At $133,467, the local median is 2.82% below the national median of $137,334.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Johnston: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Johnston Veterinarian Pay Compares
Johnston median: $133,467/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Johnston Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Rhode Island Average | $138,022 | -3.30% less |
| National Average | $137,334 | -2.82% less |
Veterinarians in Johnston, RI earn a median of $133,467 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.82% lower than the national median of $137,334 and 3.30% below the Rhode Island state average of $138,022.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Johnston has a cost of living 0.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Johnston, RI has a cost-of-living index of 100.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $133,467 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $132,803 — a 0.5% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$92,772
2025 BLS Actual
$126,437
2026 Current Est.
$133,467
2019–2027 Growth
+51.9%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinarians in Johnston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.56% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $92,772 | Actual |
| 2020 | $96,456 | Actual |
| 2021 | $97,544 | Actual |
| 2022 | $100,353 | Actual |
| 2023 | $115,747 | Actual |
| 2024 | $124,396 | Actual |
| 2025 | $126,437 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $133,467 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $140,888 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Johnston metropolitan area, the median veterinarian salary grew 36.3% from $92,772 (2019) to $126,437 (2025). At a 5.56% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $140,888 by 2027 — a total increase of $48,116 (51.86%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Johnston 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) | $83,506 – $105,637 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $105,637 – $133,467 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $133,467 – $170,247 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $170,247 – $206,873 |
DVM salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual veterinarian compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Veterinarian Job Market in Johnston
The job market in Johnston employs a modest number of veterinarians, totaling just eight, which contributes to a competitive environment for new graduates and seasoned professionals alike. With a cost of living index at 100.5, slightly above the national average, the financial reality for veterinarians here may impact their overall purchasing power. Among local employers, corporate veterinary practices, including chains like VCA and BluePearl, account for roughly 25% of the market and often offer higher salaries compared to independent clinics which may rely more on traditional pay structures. The variation in compensation is frequently driven by additional factors, including specialty board certifications, practice ownership opportunities, and varying practice models, prompting veterinarians to consider strategic choices that enhance their earnings. For those looking to maximize their veterinarian salary in Johnston, exploring roles at specialty referral hospitals or accepting lucrative sign-on bonuses can be advantageous in a competitive field.
More salary data for Johnston, RI:
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 $126,437 for veterinariansin the Johnston 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 Johnston 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