Find a Job You Really Want In
Veterinarians are a vital part of the healthcare system in America, playing a crucial role not only in animal care but also in public health. This profession is widespread across the country, with veterinarians practicing in every state, proving that opportunities exist beyond just high-population areas like California or the Southeast.
As the demand for veterinary services continues to grow, we at Zippia have analyzed current labor market data to identify the best states for veterinarians in 2026. Our goal was to pinpoint locations that not only offer ample job opportunities but also provide competitive salaries throughout various career stages.
Using data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), we compiled a list showcasing where veterinarians can thrive in their careers. Here are the top 10 states for veterinarians:
- Idaho
- Pennsylvania
- Virginia
- Rhode Island
- North Carolina
- South Dakota
- New Mexico
- South Carolina
- Indiana
- Maine
Idaho stands out as the top state for veterinarians, but what factors contributed to this ranking? Continue reading to discover our research methods and insights on the top ten states.
How We Determined the Best States for Veterinarians
At Zippia, we engage with a diverse range of job seekers, and our findings reveal that two key factors drive their job preferences:
- Job availability
- Compensation
To identify the best states for veterinarians, we analyzed job availability and salary data. The criteria, sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Employment Statistics, included:
- Location quotient – indicating the prevalence of veterinarians in each state.
- Average annual salary.
- Average entry-level salary.
- Average salary for experienced veterinarians.
To ensure a fair comparison, we adjusted the salary figures based on the cost of living in each state, referencing MIT’s living wage index. This allows for a more accurate depiction of how far salaries stretch across different regions. For instance, while California boasts an average salary of $114,870 for veterinarians, the cost of living means that this may not equate to the same purchasing power as a lower salary in a state like Illinois, where the average is $89,180.
Each state was ranked across these criteria, with a composite Job Score calculated to determine the overall ranking. The state with the lowest score earned the title of the best for veterinarians.
Now, let’s delve into what makes each of these states particularly favorable for veterinary professionals.
1. Idaho
Total Jobs: 450
Average Annual Salary: $92,290
Average Entry Level Salary: $54,000
Average Experienced Salary: $131,140
Location Quotient: 1.48
2. Pennsylvania
Total Jobs: 2,750
Average Annual Salary: $112,950
Average Entry Level Salary: $54,840
Average Experienced Salary: $171,510
Location Quotient: 1.01
3. Virginia
Total Jobs: 2,520
Average Annual Salary: $107,820
Average Entry Level Salary: $55,660
Average Experienced Salary: $180,790
Location Quotient: 1.44
4. Rhode Island
Total Jobs: 210
Average Annual Salary: $125,200
Average Entry Level Salary: $104,320
Average Experienced Salary: $154,720
Location Quotient: 0.96
5. North Carolina
Total Jobs: 2,690
Average Annual Salary: $99,520
Average Entry Level Salary: $51,530
Average Experienced Salary: $155,020
Location Quotient: 1.37
6. South Dakota
Total Jobs: 230
Average Annual Salary: $88,310
Average Entry Level Salary: $55,180
Average Experienced Salary: $129,930
Location Quotient: 1.16
7. New Mexico
Total Jobs: 400
Average Annual Salary: $95,150
Average Entry Level Salary: $56,970
Average Experienced Salary: $148,090
Location Quotient: 1.06
8. South Carolina
Total Jobs: 960
Average Annual Salary: $91,470
Average Entry Level Salary: $65,720
Average Experienced Salary: $123,770
Location Quotient: 1.05
9. Indiana
Total Jobs: 1,220
Average Annual Salary: $92,780
Average Entry Level Salary: $57,730
Average Experienced Salary: $149,880
Location Quotient: 0.87
10. Maine
Total Jobs: 350
Average Annual Salary: $96,230
Average Entry Level Salary: $57,800
Average Experienced Salary: $147,850
Location Quotient: 1.23
In Conclusion
For those aspiring to launch a rewarding career as a veterinarian, these states should be at the forefront of your job search. Expect competitive salaries, abundant job openings, and potential for career growth.
Conversely, if you’re interested in the less favorable states for veterinarians, here they are:
Detailed List of the Best States for Veterinarians
| Rank | State | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Idaho | $92,290 |
| 2 | Pennsylvania | $112,950 |
| 3 | Virginia | $107,820 |
| 4 | Rhode Island | $125,200 |
| 5 | North Carolina | $99,520 |
| 6 | South Dakota | $88,310 |
| 7 | New Mexico | $95,150 |
| 8 | South Carolina | $91,470 |
| 9 | Indiana | $92,780 |
| 10 | Maine | $96,230 |
| 11 | Texas | $99,880 |
| 12 | Oklahoma | $106,230 |
| 13 | Delaware | $102,780 |
| 14 | Kentucky | $86,920 |
| 15 | Arizona | $92,700 |
| 16 | California | $114,870 |
| 17 | Wisconsin | $90,340 |
| 18 | Missouri | $88,250 |
| 19 | Washington | $91,510 |
| 20 | Iowa | $90,020 |
| 21 | Michigan | $94,920 |
| 22 | West Virginia | $84,470 |
| 23 | Maryland | $113,130 |
| 24 | New Jersey | $127,130 |
| 25 | Ohio | $88,490 |
| 26 | Wyoming | $106,180 |
| 27 | Arkansas | $84,730 |
| 28 | Vermont | $92,170 |
| 29 | Utah | $87,410 |
| 30 | Florida | $96,050 |
| 31 | Nebraska | $77,410 |
| 32 | New Hampshire | $97,490 |
| 33 | New York | $123,650 |
| 34 | Connecticut | $125,630 |
| 35 | Oregon | $80,040 |
| 36 | Alaska | $94,060 |
| 37 | North Dakota | $85,310 |
| 38 | Mississippi | $85,450 |
| 39 | Nevada | $91,950 |
| 40 | Alabama | $78,000 |
| 41 | Massachusetts | $112,040 |
| 42 | Illinois | $89,180 |
| 43 | Colorado | $87,120 |
| 44 | Georgia | $86,440 |
| 45 | Montana | $73,210 |
| 46 | Tennessee | $84,500 |
| 47 | Minnesota | $82,990 |
| 48 | Louisiana | $84,810 |
| 49 | Kansas | $72,210 |
Author
Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.
