Veterinarian Salaries in Maine: Above National Average
Veterinarians in Maine earn above the national average, reflecting rural demand, limited supply, and cost-of-living factors.
Salary Data (BLS / State Estimates)
- Mean Annual Wage: $108,470 (Maine) vs. $93,830 (US national mean)
- 10th Percentile: $65,490
- 90th Percentile: $165,510+
- Median: ~$102,000–$105,000
Why Higher Than National Average?
- Rural shortage: Large animal / mixed practice vets scarce. Incentives (loan repayment, signing bonuses) push wages up
- Cost of living: Moderate overall, but housing spikes in Portland/coastal areas
- Seasonal demand: Tourism, agriculture, equine, wildlife rehab
- Low density: Fewer vets covering vast areas → less competition, more leverage
Job Outlook (2019–2029 Projection)
- Growth: 18% (vs. 4% all occupations) — much faster than average
- Drivers: Pet ownership growth, livestock health, food safety, zoonotic disease, wildlife conservation
- Openings: ~50/year in Maine (replacement + growth)
Salary Influencers
| Factor | Impact |
|---|
| Experience | +$15–25K per 5 years (up to partner/owner) |
| Specialty (Surgery, Oncology, Cardio, etc.) | +$20–50K+ (board certification) |
| Practice Ownership | Highly variable; equity + profit share |
| Location (Portland vs. Aroostook) | Urban higher base; rural + incentives |
| Species Focus (Companion vs. Large Animal) | Large animal often higher (shortage) |
Veterinarian Role
Diagnose/treat disease, surgery, preventive care (vaccines, dentistry, nutrition), public health (rabies, food safety), research, regulation. Essential to Maine's agriculture (dairy, potatoes, blueberries), aquaculture, tourism (pets), and wildlife.
Wanderlust World