Veterinarian salary in Kentucky
Veterinarians in Kentucky earn a median of $104,100 a year ($50.05 an hour), based on BLS data for 1,190 workers.
Pay ranges from $44,200 for the lowest-paid 10% to $169,220 for the top 10%. That is 20% lower than the national median of $130,100. Kentucky ranks 43rd of 49 states for veterinarians pay. There are 0.59 veterinarians per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $112,730, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for veterinarians in Kentucky
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $44,200 | $21.25 |
| 25th percentile | $73,920 | $35.54 |
| Median | $104,100 | $50.05 |
| 75th percentile | $136,550 | $65.65 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $169,220 | $81.36 |
| Average (mean) | $112,730 | $54.20 |
Half of veterinarians earn more than the median and half earn less. Percentiles show the spread: 10% earn less than the 10th percentile, and 10% earn more than the 90th.
Median paycheck, before taxes
| Pay period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $8,675 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $4,337.50 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $4,003.85 |
| Weekly | $2,001.92 |
| Hourly | $50.05 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Veterinarian salary in cities in Kentucky
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN | $127,670 | 650 |
| Clarksville, TN-KY | $111,400 | 70 |
| Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH | $111,400 | 60 |
| Lexington-Fayette, KY | $109,050 | 330 |
| Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN | $108,000 | 360 |
| Bowling Green, KY | $97,260 | 40 |
Highest-paying states for veterinarians
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| California | $163,920 |
| Maryland | $163,170 |
| Washington | $160,510 |
| New Jersey | $160,140 |
| Arizona | $152,020 |
| Massachusetts | $140,260 |
| District of Columbia | $134,530 |
| Illinois | $133,580 |
| Pennsylvania | $133,520 |
| Minnesota | $133,110 |
Related jobs in Kentucky
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurse | $81,040 | $38.96 |
| Pharmacist | $136,530 | $65.64 |
| Nurse Practitioner | $122,870 | $59.07 |
| Physical Therapist | $100,710 | $48.42 |
| Physicians, All Other | $327,390 | $157.40 |
| Speech-Language Pathologist | $83,550 | $40.17 |
| Respiratory Therapist | $72,750 | $34.98 |
| Occupational Therapist | $97,650 | $46.95 |
| Dental Hygienist | $78,830 | $37.90 |
| Nurse Anesthetist | $222,520 | $106.98 |
| Physician Assistant | $120,760 | $58.06 |
| Family Medicine Physician | $248,730 | $119.58 |
| Anesthesiologist | $347,960 | $167.29 |
| General Internal Medicine Physician | $241,530 | $116.12 |
More: Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations · all salaries in Kentucky
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 29-1131. Wages include base pay, tips, commissions and shift pay, but not overtime, bonuses or benefits, and exclude the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a veterinarian make in Kentucky?
The median salary for veterinarians in Kentucky is $104,100 a year, or $50.05 an hour. Pay ranges from $44,200 for the lowest-paid 10% to $169,220 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid veterinarians make in Kentucky?
The top 10% of veterinarians in Kentucky earn at least $169,220 a year. The top 25% earn $136,550 or more.
What is the starting pay for veterinarians in Kentucky?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $44,200 a year, and a quarter of veterinarians earn $73,920 or less.
How many veterinarians work in Kentucky?
About 1,190 veterinarians are employed in Kentucky, not counting the self-employed.