Veterinarian Salary in Cleveland, TN: $125,650 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinarian in Cleveland, TN earns a median $125,650/year (≈ $60.41/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1131). Once you factor in Cleveland's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 91.8), that paycheck buys what $136,874 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.3% below the Tennessee state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the veterinarian salary in Cleveland, TN, is projected to reach a median of $125,650, reflecting a competitive compensation level within the veterinary profession, albeit slightly below the national median of $137,334. Salaries for veterinarians in the area will range from approximately $76,775 at the 10th percentile to as high as $194,758 at the 90th percentile. These figures are grounded in estimates based on 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost factors. Given the local market's evolving demand for specialized veterinary services, those with board certifications in surgery, internal medicine, or emergency care can expect to command higher salaries, contributing to the overall earnings landscape for veterinarians in Cleveland.
About the Cleveland Market
Salary estimated from Tennessee average ($106,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $76,775 | $36.91 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $100,982 | $48.55 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $125,650 | $60.41 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $160,832 | $77.32 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $194,758 | $93.63 |
Median Salary Position
8.51% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Cleveland
In Cleveland, TN, the veterinarian salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $117,983 (2026 est.). At $125,650, the local median is 8.51% below the national median of $137,334.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Cleveland: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Cleveland Veterinarian Pay Compares
Cleveland median: $125,650/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Cleveland Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee Average | $128,608 | -2.30% less |
| National Average | $137,334 | -8.51% less |
Veterinarians in Cleveland, TN earn a median of $125,650 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.51% lower than the national median of $137,334 and 2.30% below the Tennessee state average of $128,608.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Cleveland has a cost of living 8.20% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Cleveland, TN has a cost-of-living index of 91.8 (below the national average of 100). A veterinarian earning $125,650 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $136,874 in an average-cost city — an effective 8.93% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$87,339
2025 BLS Actual
$119,032
2026 Current Est.
$125,650
2019–2027 Growth
+51.9%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinarians in Cleveland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.56% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $87,339 | Actual |
| 2020 | $90,807 | Actual |
| 2021 | $91,831 | Actual |
| 2022 | $94,475 | Actual |
| 2023 | $108,968 | Actual |
| 2024 | $95,042 | Actual |
| 2025 | $119,032 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $125,650 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $132,636 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Cleveland metropolitan area, the median veterinarian salary grew 36.3% from $87,339 (2019) to $119,032 (2025). At a 5.56% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $132,636 by 2027 — a total increase of $45,297 (51.86%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cleveland 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) | $76,775 – $100,982 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $100,982 – $125,650 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $125,650 – $160,832 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $160,832 – $194,758 |
DVM salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual veterinarian compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Veterinarian Job Market in Cleveland
With only 10 veterinarians currently practicing in Cleveland, the local market remains small yet stable. The cost of living index stands at 91.8, meaning that the purchasing power for residents is slightly below the national average, which can impact the overall take-home pay for veterinarians. Independent practices may offer equity and better bonuses compared to corporate entities, which now dominate around 25% of the market through chains like VCA and BluePearl. The variation in compensation often hinges on the type of practice; specialists command significantly higher salaries than general practitioners due to their advanced training and certification. To maximize veterinarian pay in Cleveland, focusing on niche specialties, considering practice ownership, and exploring opportunities in production-based compensation can be effective strategies for those entering or progressing in the field.
More salary data for Cleveland, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do veterinarians make in Cleveland, TN in 2026?
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Can veterinarians make $100K in Cleveland?
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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 $119,032 for veterinariansin the Cleveland 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 Cleveland 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