Veterinarian Hourly Pay in El Monte, CA: $83.18 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinarian working in El Monte, CA runs $83.18 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $173,023 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1131). Weighted against El Monte's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $73.55 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $103,810 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the veterinarian hourly pay in El Monte, California, stands at $83.18, significantly exceeding the national hourly median of $66.03. This difference suggests enhanced local demand and possibly a higher cost of living, reflected in El Monte's cost of living index of 113.1. For part-time professionals working three days a week, this equates to a potential income of approximately $64,000 annually, allowing for a comfortable livelihood even outside full-time commitments. Veterinarians in El Monte can expect to earn between $48.25 and $128.93 per hour, providing ample opportunity for various compensation structures. From general practice exam rooms to specialty referral hospitals, the environments where veterinarians operate are diverse, accommodating both per-diem and traditional salary workers in settings ranging from surgical suites to equine practices.
About the El Monte 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) | $48.25 | $386.01 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $62.95 | $503.56 |
| Median (P50) | $83.18 | $665.45 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $106.48 | $851.83 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $128.93 | $1031.45 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in El Monte
Based on $83.18/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $83.18/hr, a veterinarian working full-time (40 hr/wk) in El Monte, CA can expect to earn approximately $173,017 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $99,818. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in El Monte.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in El Monte
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,327.25 | $14,418 | $173,017 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,996.35 | $8,651 | $103,810 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,330.90 | $5,767 | $69,207 |
Compare DVM Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinarian (El Monte) | $83.18 |
| Veterinary Technician (National Avg) | $19.39 |
| Physician (National Avg) | $113.07 |
| Dentist (National Avg) | $87.53 |
| Optometrist (National Avg) | $64.22 |
Veterinarians in El Monte, CA earn a median of $173,023 per year (2026 est.), which is 25.99% higher than the national median of $137,334 and 2.60% above the California state average of $168,639.
Veterinarian Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $83.18/hr = $103,810/year (purchasing power: $91,786).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $173,017/year (purchasing power: $152,977).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$57.82/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$78.80/hr
2026 Current Est.
$83.18/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+51.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinarians in El Monte (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.56% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $57.82/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $60.11/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $60.79/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $62.54/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $72.14/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $87.03/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $78.80/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $83.18/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $87.81/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinarians in El Monte grew 36.3% from $57.82/hr (2019) to $78.80/hr (2025). At a 5.56% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $87.81/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 El Monte 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 El Monte
Evaluating earning potential further illustrates the opportunities for veterinarians in the area. A veterinarian working part-time for three days a week, putting in around 24 hours, can make about $64,000 annually, a clear attraction for those preferring a less than full-time schedule. Per diem veterinarian pay in El Monte can range from $90 to $140 per hour for general practice work, and rises sharply for specialty relief positions, reaching $150 to $250 per hour. This remains a crucial option for many professionals, especially in high-demand fields like emergency or specialty care. However, veterinarians considering lower hourly rates in corporate settings may trade that potential for benefits like health insurance or retirement plans, reflecting a strategic decision that weighs immediate income against long-term security. Negotiation strategies are essential in this evolving landscape; understanding market rates and recognizing the value of various employer benefits can provide substantial leverage during salary discussions.
More salary data for El Monte, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinarians in El Monte in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinarians make in El Monte?
Are veterinarians in El Monte paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinarian make per year in El Monte?
Do veterinarians earn more per hour working part-time in El Monte?
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 El Monte. 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 El Monte 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