Veterinarian Salary in Fairfax, VA: $120,924 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinarian in Fairfax, VA earns a median $120,924/year (≈ $58.13/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1131). Once you factor in Fairfax's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $117,174 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.5% below the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, veterinarians in Fairfax, Virginia, can expect a median annual salary of $120,924, with a salary range from $71,108 at the lower end to $187,432 for those at the higher end of the scale. These figures underscore the production-based compensation model prevalent in the field, where the revenue generated significantly influences earnings. Specifically, the local estimates are derived from BLS state-level data and adjusted for the regional cost of living. While this pay reflects the challenges of corporate consolidation within the veterinary industry – where large chains often dictate compensation trends – it also highlights the competitive landscape in Fairfax. This area presents a unique market profile due to its employment of only four veterinarians, indicating a focused demand that could lead to elevated earnings for skilled professionals.
About the Fairfax Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($118,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $71,108 | $34.19 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $95,274 | $45.80 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $120,924 | $58.13 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $149,830 | $72.03 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $187,432 | $90.12 |
Median Salary Position
11.95% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Fairfax
In Fairfax, VA, the veterinarian salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $116,324 (2026 est.). At $120,924, the local median is 11.95% below the national median of $137,334.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Fairfax: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Fairfax Veterinarian Pay Compares
Fairfax median: $120,924/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Fairfax Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $126,622 | -4.50% less |
| National Average | $137,334 | -11.95% less |
Veterinarians in Fairfax, VA earn a median of $120,924 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.95% lower than the national median of $137,334 and 4.50% below the Virginia state average of $126,622.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Fairfax has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Fairfax, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $120,924 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $117,174 — a 3.1% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$84,054
2025 BLS Actual
$114,555
2026 Current Est.
$120,924
2019–2027 Growth
+51.9%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinarians in Fairfax (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.56% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $84,054 | Actual |
| 2020 | $87,391 | Actual |
| 2021 | $88,377 | Actual |
| 2022 | $90,922 | Actual |
| 2023 | $104,869 | Actual |
| 2024 | $116,260 | Actual |
| 2025 | $114,555 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $120,924 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $127,648 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Fairfax metropolitan area, the median veterinarian salary grew 36.3% from $84,054 (2019) to $114,555 (2025). At a 5.56% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $127,648 by 2027 — a total increase of $43,594 (51.86%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Fairfax 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) | $71,108 – $95,274 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $95,274 – $120,924 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $120,924 – $149,830 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $149,830 – $187,432 |
DVM salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual veterinarian compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Veterinarian Job Market in Fairfax
Veterinarians in Fairfax face a cost-of-living index of 103.2, which can impact take-home purchasing power despite the appealing salary figures. Employers here vary widely in pay structures, with corporate chains like VCA and BluePearl, which command approximately 25% of the market share, typically offering higher starting salaries and benefits. Conversely, independent practices might provide more flexibility regarding work-life balance but may not match corporate pay scales. Factors fueling the wide disparity in salaries include specialty board certification—those with credentials in surgery, internal medicine, or emergency care often earn significantly more—along with production-based compensation tied to clinic revenue and potential practice ownership benefits. For new graduates seeking to optimize their veterinarian pay in Fairfax VA, pursuing specialties or aligning with corporations that offer favorable sign-on bonuses could enhance both entry salaries and long-term career prospects.
More salary data for Fairfax, VA:
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 $114,555 for veterinariansin the Fairfax 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 Fairfax 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