HealthcareOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Veterinarian Salary in Washington DC
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$214,482/yr
Typical range: $201,008 – $236,869
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Veterinarian salary by experience level in Washington DC
Veterinarian Salary Progression in Washington DC
From entry-level through staff — based on BLS OEWS percentile data
| Experience Level | Years | Percentile | Annual Salary | Monthly | vs Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $117,295 | $9,775 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $144,105 | $12,009 | +23% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $159,744 | $13,312 | +36% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $176,948 | $14,746 | +51% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $214,482 | $17,874 | +83% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $246,654 | $20,555 | +110% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $254,697 | $21,225 | +117% |
Current Salary
$214,482
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $103/hr
Next Level Target
$246,654
Principal · 14
+$32Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
62/100
Good
+19% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Veterinarian salary in Washington DC, DC?
Staff / Lead Veterinarians in Washington DC, DC earn approximately $214K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Veterinarian make per hour in Washington DC, DC?
Based on $214K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $103/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Veterinarian in Washington DC, DC?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Veterinarian in Washington DC, DC earns $201K–$237K/yr.