Veterinarian Salary in Lakewood, WA: $165,200 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinarian in Lakewood, WA earns a median $165,200/year (≈ $79.42/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1131). Once you factor in Lakewood's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $153,818 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.2% below the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, veterinarians practicing in Lakewood, Washington, can expect to earn a median annual salary of $165,200. This figure positions Lakewood significantly above the national median salary of $137,334, reflecting a robust local market. The salary range for veterinarians in the area varies widely, with entry-level positions starting at around $95,816 and the upper echelon of earners reaching approximately $256,060. These estimates are derived from 2025 BLS state-level data and reflect adjustments for regional costs of living. Given the competitive landscape, which includes a mix of corporate and independent practices, the veterinarian salary in Lakewood exemplifies the influence of production-based compensation models, emphasizing how revenue generation can shape effective pay structures within the field.
About the Lakewood Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($142,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $95,816 | $46.07 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $132,616 | $63.76 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $165,200 | $79.42 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $211,457 | $101.66 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $256,060 | $123.10 |
Median Salary Position
20.29% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lakewood
In Lakewood, WA, the veterinarian salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $160,244 (2026 est.). At $165,200, the local median is 20.29% above the national median of $137,334.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Lakewood: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Lakewood Veterinarian Pay Compares
Lakewood median: $165,200/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Lakewood Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $167,207 | -1.20% less |
| National Average | $137,334 | +20.29% more |
Veterinarians in Lakewood, WA earn a median of $165,200 per year (2026 est.), which is 20.29% higher than the national median of $137,334 and 1.20% below the Washington state average of $167,207.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Lakewood has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Lakewood, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $165,200 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $153,818 — a 6.89% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$114,830
2025 BLS Actual
$156,499
2026 Current Est.
$165,200
2019–2027 Growth
+51.9%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinarians in Lakewood (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.56% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $114,830 | Actual |
| 2020 | $119,389 | Actual |
| 2021 | $120,736 | Actual |
| 2022 | $124,213 | Actual |
| 2023 | $143,267 | Actual |
| 2024 | $150,687 | Actual |
| 2025 | $156,499 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $165,200 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $174,385 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Lakewood metropolitan area, the median veterinarian salary grew 36.3% from $114,830 (2019) to $156,499 (2025). At a 5.56% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $174,385 by 2027 — a total increase of $59,555 (51.86%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lakewood 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) | $95,816 – $132,616 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $132,616 – $165,200 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $165,200 – $211,457 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $211,457 – $256,060 |
DVM salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual veterinarian compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Veterinarian Job Market in Lakewood
Employing 14 veterinarians, Lakewood’s job market remains relatively small but competitive. With a cost-of-living index of 107.4, the local economic landscape slightly elevates living expenses compared to the national average, impacting take-home purchasing power for veterinarians. Among local employers, corporate chains such as VCA and BluePearl significantly shape the salary dynamics, often offering enticing incentive structures, including sign-on bonuses that can range from $50,000 to $150,000 to address talent shortages. The compensation spread in Lakewood is further influenced by factors such as specialty board certifications in areas like surgery and internal medicine, along with varying pay structures between corporate entities and independent practices. To maximize earning potential, aspiring veterinarians should consider roles within specialty clinics or partnership opportunities in thriving practices, which can offer both higher compensation and the prospect of equity in the business.
More salary data for Lakewood, WA:
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 $156,499 for veterinariansin the Lakewood 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 Lakewood 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