Veterinarian Hourly Pay in Montgomery, AL: $52.13 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinarian working in Montgomery, AL runs $52.13 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $108,410 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1131). Weighted against Montgomery's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.7, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $58.12 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $65,053 per year.
Official BLS data · View source

In Montgomery, Alabama, veterinarians earn a median hourly rate of $52.13, which sits significantly lower than the national median of $66.03. This rate can accommodate both full-time practitioners and those looking to work part-time or as per-diem veterinarians. For example, a veterinarian working three days a week, typically in settings such as general practice exam rooms or specialty referral hospitals, can still take home a respectable income, taking advantage of the varied environments where they might work. Entry-level veterinarians in the city may start closer to $37.57 per hour, while those at the top of their field can earn upwards of $85.96 per hour, as reflected in the official Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
Veterinarian Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37.57 | $300.55 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $48.37 | $386.94 |
| Median (P50) | $52.13 | $417.00 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $66.86 | $534.89 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $85.96 | $687.66 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Montgomery
Based on $52.13/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $52.13/hr, a veterinarian working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Montgomery, AL can expect to earn approximately $108,421 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $62,551. With a cost-of-living index of 89.68 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Montgomery.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Montgomery
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,085.02 | $9,035 | $108,421 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,251.01 | $5,421 | $65,053 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $834.01 | $3,614 | $43,368 |
Compare DVM Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinarian (Montgomery) | $52.13 |
| Veterinary Technician (National Avg) | $19.39 |
| Physician (National Avg) | $113.07 |
| Dentist (National Avg) | $87.53 |
| Optometrist (National Avg) | $64.22 |
Veterinarians in Montgomery, AL earn a median of $108,410 per year (2026 est.), which is 21.06% lower than the national median of $137,334.
Veterinarian Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $52.13/hr = $65,053/year (purchasing power: $72,537).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $108,421/year (purchasing power: $120,895).
CoL index: 89.682 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$46.53/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$49.38/hr
2026 Current Est.
$52.13/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+18.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinarians in Montgomery (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.56% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $46.53/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $47.20/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $47.19/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $46.77/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $49.10/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $47.88/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $49.38/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $52.13/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $55.02/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinarians in Montgomery grew 6.1% from $46.53/hr (2019) to $49.38/hr (2025). At a 5.56% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $55.02/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem veterinarians can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Montgomery metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 5.56% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Veterinarian in Montgomery
Considering the financial landscape for veterinarians in Montgomery, part-time veterinarians working uncommon schedules or cases might see a different earnings trajectory. For instance, a veterinarian working 24 hours a week at the median hourly rate could still realize annual earnings that provide solid financial stability, contrasting with full-time hours. Per diem and locum tenens veterinarians can often earn a more attractive hourly wage, with rates between $90 and $140 at general practices, while those filling specialty roles may command rates of $150 to $250 per hour. Additionally, hourly compensation varies across different types of employers. For instance, corporate chains like VCA and BluePearl may offer less per hour compared to independent practices or specialty referral hospitals, especially when benefits are factored in. Understanding this dynamic is crucial for professionals in the field, as some might accept lower hourly pay for benefits while others prioritize higher rates with less job security. Negotiation skills become essential for veterinarians in this market to align their hourly rates with their financial needs and career goals.
More salary data for Montgomery, AL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinarians in Montgomery in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinarians make in Montgomery?
Are veterinarians in Montgomery paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinarian make per year in Montgomery?
Do veterinarians earn more per hour working part-time in Montgomery?
Related Pages
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Written by Dr. Alice Nguyen, DVM
Career Analyst
Dr. Alice Nguyen has 10 years of experience in veterinary medicine. She specializes in small animal surgery. She currently works at a suburban veterinary clinic.
Methodology & Data Source
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 5.56% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for veterinarians in Montgomery. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.56%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for veterinarians (SOC 29-1131).
Compiled and verified by Dr. Alice Nguyen, DVM, a licensed veterinarian with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov