Senior Veterinarian Salary in Moline, IL: $207,265 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of veterinarians working in Moline, IL — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $207,265/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-1131. Strip back Moline's price premium (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $213,455 in average-cost America. The 55% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, Moline positions itself as a competitive locale for seasoned veterinarians, offering top-tier salaries that reflect the city’s financial landscape and demand for expertise. The potential for high earnings is significant, with experienced veterinarians earning as much as $207,265 at the 90th percentile. This figure represents an attractive contrast to the median annual salary of $133,719, illustrating the premium that comes with experience in the field. Achieving top-tier pay in Moline necessitates not only extensive knowledge and hands-on skills but also an established reputation within the veterinary community. Senior veterinarians must navigate their career strategically, often pursuing advanced certifications or specializations that enhance their marketability and earnings potential, alongside the broadening influence of corporate practice models in Illinois.
About the Moline Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($122,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Moline
Experienced veterinarians at the top of the pay scale in Moline earn between $168,634 and $207,265 per year (2026 est.). This $129,708 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Moline median of $133,719 sits 2.63% below the US median.
Top DVM Salary Comparison
| Level | Moline | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $133,719 | $137,334 |
| 75th Percentile | $168,634 | $175,356 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $207,265 | $227,693 |
In Moline, experienced veterinarians (P90) earn 55.00% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Veterinarian Pay in Moline
Advanced Certifications in Illinois
IL veterinarians with additional specialty certifications within the veterinary medicine field earn significantly above the $133,719 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Moline employers.
Specialty Focus
Veterinarians focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the veterinary medicine field in Moline command premium compensation, often reaching the $168,634–$207,265 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Moline metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced veterinarians who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured veterinarians in Moline with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Veterinarians in Illinois who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Veterinarian Career & Wage Growth Path in Moline
Clinical Veterinarian
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Veterinarian
5-10 yearsVeterinarian Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedMoline ranks #54 of 64 Illinois cities for top earner veterinarian salary (90th percentile: $207,265).
Top 10% veterinarian compensation in Moline ($207,265) is 25.49% below the Illinois average P90 ($278,154).
2019 BLS Actual
$146,355
2025 BLS Actual
$196,348
2026 Current Est.
$207,265
2019–2027 Growth
+49.5%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinarians in Moline (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.56% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $146,355 | Actual |
| 2020 | $149,732 | Actual |
| 2021 | $150,743 | Actual |
| 2022 | $158,844 | Actual |
| 2023 | $183,367 | Actual |
| 2024 | $181,263 | Actual |
| 2025 | $196,348 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $207,265 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $218,789 | Projected |
Top-earning veterinarians (90th percentile) in Moline saw their compensation grow 34.2% from $146,355 in 2019 to $196,348 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 5.56% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $218,789 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Moline 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.
Maximizing Your Veterinarian Earnings in Moline
Compensation in Moline diverges notably based on the specific veterinary discipline. Specializations such as small animal surgery (DACVS) and internal medicine (DACVIM) command higher salaries—often two to three times that of general practitioners—underscoring the financial benefits of additional training. Employment type also plays a key role at the senior level; veterinarians in corporate chains, like BluePearl or VCA, may encounter different salary structures compared to those in independent practices or specialty hospitals. Leadership roles, such as practice owners or medical directors, provide additional pathways for increased compensation. The journey to these advanced roles often requires obtaining board certification, which elevates a veterinarian's standing and opens doors to lucrative opportunities. Moreover, non-salary compensation, including production-based incentives and equity stakes, further boosts the financial reward for the most experienced veterinarians in Moline, IL.
More salary data for Moline, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced veterinarians make in Moline in 2026?
What drives higher veterinarian pay in Moline?
What certifications boost veterinarian salary in Moline?
Can experienced veterinarians make six figures in Moline?
How much does veterinarian salary increase over time in Moline?
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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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $196,348 for veterinarians in the Moline metro area. A 5.56% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Moline 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