Veterinarians Salary in Kentucky

Veterinarians in Kentucky earn the most in Lexington (average $129,420 a year) and the least in Bowling Green ($102,120), across the 3 Kentucky metro areas we cover. Statewide, BLS puts the veterinarians average at $112,730 and the median at $104,100 for 1,190 workers. The U.S. average for this job is $142,680.

Veterinarians average salary by city in Kentucky

Lexington$129,420
Louisville$115,050
Bowling Green$102,120

Pay, take-home pay and cost of living

City	Average	Median	25th pct.	Take-home*	Cost of living
Lexington	$129,420	$109,050	$86,130	$91,753	93
Louisville	$115,050	$108,000	$62,390	$83,327	93
Bowling Green	$102,120	$97,260	$76,600	$75,172	90

*Average salary after federal and state taxes for a single filer; includes Lexington's local income tax (2.75%). Cost of living: BEA price parity, U.S. = 100.

Veterinarians salary in other states

Veterinarians salary by city and state

More about pay in Kentucky

Sources and how to read this page

Wages: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 estimates for metropolitan areas. SOC code 29-1131.
U.S. and statewide figures: BLS OEWS national and state estimates, May 2025, every employer including rural areas.
Cost of living: Bureau of Economic Analysis regional price parities (RPP), 2024; 100 = U.S. average.

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