Veterinarian Hourly Pay in Westminster, CA: $81.95 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinarian working in Westminster, CA runs $81.95 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $170,452 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1131). Weighted against Westminster's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $72.45 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $102,269 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Westminster, California, the veterinarian hourly pay is projected to reach $81.95 in 2026, significantly outpacing the national median of $66.03. This higher hourly rate positions local veterinarians favorably, especially for part-time workers who may operate three days a week, typically yielding about 24 hours of work. Per-diem veterinarians in settings such as general practice exam rooms, surgical suites, or even specialty hospitals can find flexible opportunities that align with this hourly structure. Entry-level positions begin around $47.53, while experienced veterinarians can command upwards of $127.02 per hour, reflecting both skill and specialization within Westminster's diverse veterinary landscape.
About the Westminster 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) | $47.53 | $380.27 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $63.12 | $505.00 |
| Median (P50) | $81.95 | $655.57 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $104.89 | $839.16 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $127.02 | $1016.16 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Westminster
Based on $81.95/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $81.95/hr, a veterinarian working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Westminster, CA can expect to earn approximately $170,448 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $98,335. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Westminster.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Westminster
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,277.85 | $14,204 | $170,448 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,966.71 | $8,522 | $102,269 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,311.14 | $5,682 | $68,179 |
Compare DVM Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinarian (Westminster) | $81.95 |
| Veterinary Technician (National Avg) | $19.39 |
| Physician (National Avg) | $113.07 |
| Dentist (National Avg) | $87.53 |
| Optometrist (National Avg) | $64.22 |
Veterinarians in Westminster, CA earn a median of $170,452 per year (2026 est.), which is 24.11% higher than the national median of $137,334 and 1.10% above the California state average of $168,597.
Veterinarian Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $81.95/hr = $102,269/year (purchasing power: $90,423).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $170,448/year (purchasing power: $150,706).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$56.96/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$77.63/hr
2026 Current Est.
$81.95/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+51.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinarians in Westminster (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.56% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $56.96/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $59.22/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $59.89/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $61.61/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $71.07/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $85.74/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $77.63/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $81.95/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $86.50/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinarians in Westminster grew 36.3% from $56.96/hr (2019) to $77.63/hr (2025). At a 5.56% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $86.50/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 Westminster 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 Westminster
Part-time veterinarians in Westminster, working a 24-hour weekly schedule, can expect to take home around $102,564 annually, while full-time counterparts see a substantial increase in their earnings potential. Per diem and relief veterinarians are often in high demand, with billable hours in general practice ranging from $90 to $140, depending on the type of work performed. Specialty relief positions can yield even higher rates, from $150 to $250 per hour for roles such as surgery and emergency medicine. Hourly pay varies across employer types; corporate chains like VCA and BluePearl contribute significantly to the market, but independent practices might offer less in hourly compensation in exchange for added benefits. For veterinarians considering their options in Westminster, negotiating for a better hourly rate may hinge on balancing cash compensation with health benefits and job security in a rapidly changing industry influenced by corporate consolidation.
More salary data for Westminster, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinarians in Westminster in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinarians make in Westminster?
Are veterinarians in Westminster paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinarian make per year in Westminster?
Do veterinarians earn more per hour working part-time in Westminster?
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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 Westminster. 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 Westminster 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