Veterinarian Hourly Pay in Modesto, CA: $82.29 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinarian working in Modesto, CA runs $82.29 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $171,176 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1131). Weighted against Modesto's regional price level (BEA RPP 104.1, 4% above national), each hour of work buys what $79.05 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $102,704 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Modesto, California, veterinarians earn a median hourly wage of $82.29, significantly higher than the national median of $66.03. This robust hourly rate indicates that veterinarians in the area can expect competitive compensation across their diverse work settings, whether it's in general practice exam rooms, surgical suites, or equine ambulatory services. The hourly compensation ranges from $37.56 for entry-level positions to as much as $131.14 for the top earners, demonstrating a wide spectrum of potential pay based on experience, specialization, and the specific employer. These figures are based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, and reflect the current economic climate within the veterinary field in Modesto, making it an attractive option for both full-time and per-diem veterinarians.
Veterinarian Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37.56 | $300.47 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $62.77 | $502.13 |
| Median (P50) | $82.29 | $658.36 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $100.50 | $804.03 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $131.14 | $1049.10 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Modesto
Based on $82.29/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $82.29/hr, a veterinarian working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Modesto, CA can expect to earn approximately $171,173 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $98,753. With a cost-of-living index of 104.11 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Modesto.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Modesto
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,291.78 | $14,264 | $171,173 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,975.07 | $8,559 | $102,704 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,316.71 | $5,706 | $68,469 |
Compare DVM Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinarian (Modesto) | $82.29 |
| Veterinary Technician (National Avg) | $19.39 |
| Physician (National Avg) | $113.07 |
| Dentist (National Avg) | $87.53 |
| Optometrist (National Avg) | $64.22 |
Veterinarians in Modesto, CA earn a median of $171,176 per year (2026 est.), which is 24.64% higher than the national median of $137,334 and 1.50% above the California state average of $168,646.
Veterinarian Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $82.29/hr = $102,704/year (purchasing power: $98,651).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $171,173/year (purchasing power: $164,418).
CoL index: 104.108 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$35.28/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$77.96/hr
2026 Current Est.
$82.29/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+146.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinarians in Modesto (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.56% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $35.28/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $65.31/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $48.88/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $58.63/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $61.46/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $75.62/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $77.96/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $82.29/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $86.87/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinarians in Modesto grew 121.0% from $35.28/hr (2019) to $77.96/hr (2025). At a 5.56% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $86.87/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 Modesto 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 Modesto
Exploring the financial ramifications of part-time work offers deeper insight into veterinarian hourly pay in Modesto. A veterinarian working three days a week could realistically take home around $107,540 annually, a respectable sum that allows for a balanced work-life dynamic, unlike full-time counterparts. Meanwhile, per diem veterinarians can command even higher rates, with general practice relief roles paying up to $140/hr and specialty positions fetching between $150-$250/hr depending on the urgency and expertise required. Compensation in Modesto fluctuates based on workplace settings—from independent practices to corporate chains like VCA and BluePearl, where benefits often dictate pay scales. Some veterinarians may choose lower hourly rates for the security of health insurance, while others might opt for higher pay without benefits. As the corporate consolidation of veterinary practices continues to shape compensation structures, those negotiating their hourly rate should be prepared with market data to make informed choices about their careers in Modesto, CA.
More salary data for Modesto, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinarians in Modesto in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinarians make in Modesto?
Are veterinarians in Modesto paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinarian make per year in Modesto?
Do veterinarians earn more per hour working part-time in Modesto?
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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 Modesto. 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