Veterinarian Hourly Pay in Davis, CA: $78.46 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinarian working in Davis, CA runs $78.46 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $163,200 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1131). Weighted against Davis's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $69.37 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $97,922 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, a veterinarian working in Davis, California can expect to earn a median hourly pay of $78.46, significantly higher than the national hourly median of $66.03. This attractive wage allows for a robust earning potential for those considering part-time positions, such as working three days a week, where each hour contributes to a solid income within typical environments like general practice exam rooms, surgical suites, and specialty referral hospitals. For entry-level veterinarians, rates start around $45.51, while experienced professionals can earn up to $121.62 per hour, demonstrating a wide range of opportunities in the field. These hourly rates are reflective estimates based on annual salary data, providing an essential framework for both full-time and per diem veterinarians navigating their career paths in this vibrant California city.
About the Davis Market
Salary estimated from California average ($156,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Veterinarian Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $45.51 | $364.06 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $61.06 | $488.45 |
| Median (P50) | $78.46 | $627.70 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $100.43 | $803.44 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $121.62 | $972.93 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Davis
Based on $78.46/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $78.46/hr, a veterinarian working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Davis, CA can expect to earn approximately $163,203 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $94,155. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Davis.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Davis
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,138.51 | $13,600 | $163,203 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,883.11 | $8,160 | $97,922 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,255.40 | $5,440 | $65,281 |
Compare DVM Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinarian (Davis) | $78.46 |
| Veterinary Technician (National Avg) | $19.39 |
| Physician (National Avg) | $113.07 |
| Dentist (National Avg) | $87.53 |
| Optometrist (National Avg) | $64.22 |
Veterinarians in Davis, CA earn a median of $163,200 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.83% higher than the national median of $137,334 and 3.20% below the California state average of $168,595.
Veterinarian Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $78.46/hr = $97,922/year (purchasing power: $86,580).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $163,203/year (purchasing power: $144,299).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$54.54/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$74.33/hr
2026 Current Est.
$78.46/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+51.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinarians in Davis (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.56% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $54.54/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $56.70/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $57.34/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $59.00/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $68.05/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $82.09/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $74.33/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $78.46/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $82.83/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinarians in Davis grew 36.3% from $54.54/hr (2019) to $74.33/hr (2025). At a 5.56% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $82.83/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 Davis 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 Davis
For those working part-time in Davis, a veterinarian averaging 24 hours a week could take home a competitive income compared to their full-time counterparts, who typically earn consistently throughout the year. Relief veterinarians in the area also have the potential to earn significantly more, as they commonly charge between $90 to $140 per hour in general practices, with specialty services commanding rates as high as $150 to $250 per hour. The hourly pay can vary markedly across employer types, with corporate practices like VCA and BluePearl paying competitive rates yet often lacking benefits when compared to independent clinics or university settings where health insurance might offset lower hourly wages. As you consider the hourly landscape, practical negotiation tips can enhance your earnings; it’s advantageous to understand the pay scales of prospective employers and be prepared to advocate for rates that reflect your experience and the demand for veterinary services in Davis, CA.
More salary data for Davis, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinarians in Davis in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinarians make in Davis?
Are veterinarians in Davis paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinarian make per year in Davis?
Do veterinarians earn more per hour working part-time in Davis?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in California
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 Davis. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Davis is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
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