Veterinarian Hourly Pay in Hammond, LA: $56.91 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinarian working in Hammond, LA runs $56.91 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $118,375 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1131). Weighted against Hammond's regional price level (BEA RPP 84.5, 16% below national), each hour of work buys what $67.38 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $71,020 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Hammond, Louisiana, the veterinarian hourly pay stands at $56.91, which is notably lower than the national median hourly rate of $66.03. This translates to unique financial dynamics for veterinarians working part-time, such as those putting in three days a week, or those seeking per diem opportunities. In typical settings like general practice exam rooms, surgical suites, or specialty referral hospitals, these rates help shape the financial prospects of veterinarians at varying career stages. With hourly earnings ranging from $25.34 at entry-level positions up to $73.07 for the top earners, the potential for income will vary depending on the specific practice environment, clientele, and employment structure.
Veterinarian Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $25.34 | $202.76 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40.08 | $320.65 |
| Median (P50) | $56.91 | $455.26 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $67.54 | $540.30 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $73.07 | $584.55 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Hammond
Based on $56.91/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $56.91/hr, a veterinarian working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Hammond, LA can expect to earn approximately $118,367 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $68,289. With a cost-of-living index of 84.46 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Hammond.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Hammond
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,276.30 | $9,864 | $118,367 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,365.78 | $5,918 | $71,020 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $910.52 | $3,946 | $47,347 |
Compare DVM Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinarian (Hammond) | $56.91 |
| Veterinary Technician (National Avg) | $19.39 |
| Physician (National Avg) | $113.07 |
| Dentist (National Avg) | $87.53 |
| Optometrist (National Avg) | $64.22 |
Veterinarians in Hammond, LA earn a median of $118,375 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.81% lower than the national median of $137,334 and 9.90% below the Louisiana state average of $131,382.
Veterinarian Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $56.91/hr = $71,020/year (purchasing power: $84,088).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $118,367/year (purchasing power: $140,146).
CoL index: 84.46 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$37.32/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$53.91/hr
2026 Current Est.
$56.91/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+61.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinarians in Hammond (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.56% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $37.32/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $41.13/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $45.76/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $42.79/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $47.86/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $51.86/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $53.91/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $56.91/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $60.07/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinarians in Hammond grew 44.5% from $37.32/hr (2019) to $53.91/hr (2025). At a 5.56% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $60.07/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 Hammond 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 Hammond
Considering the realities of part-time work in Hammond, a veterinarian working a 24-hour week could expect to take home about $44,707 annually, a figure less than full-time counterparts. The per diem veterinarian pay in Hammond often falls significantly higher, with general practices offering rates of $90-$140 per hour, and specialty practices or emergency services providing compensation that can reach $150-$250 per hour. In terms of employer types, positions in corporate chains like VCA or BluePearl may offer steadier pay, while independent practices could present more variable hourly rates. Some veterinarians may prioritize benefits such as health insurance over higher hourly wages, giving rise to salary negotiations that often hinge on the balance between direct pay and additional perks. Understanding these dynamics can empower veterinarians in Hammond to strategize their career paths effectively while navigating the evolving corporate landscape of the veterinary field.
More salary data for Hammond, LA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Hammond. 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, 5-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