Veterinarian Hourly Pay in Sulphur, LA: $58.42 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinarian working in Sulphur, LA runs $58.42 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $121,496 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1131). Weighted against Sulphur's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.3, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $64.69 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $72,904 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Sulphur, Louisiana, the veterinarian hourly pay is projected to be $58.42 in 2026, which is noticeably lower than the national median hourly rate of $66.03. This disparity highlights the local market dynamics and cost of living that influence compensation. For part-time veterinarians working three days a week, this rate presents a viable earning potential while allowing for flexibility in their schedules, particularly in environments like general practice exam rooms or surgical suites. Per-diem veterinarians in Sulphur can expect to see a range from about $36.40 to $90.54 per hour, allowing entry-level professionals and seasoned experts to find positions that match their skills and preferences. Given the projected hourly rates, it is essential for those in the field to understand how these figures translate to their unique work environments, whether in private practices or emergency settings.
About the Sulphur Market
Salary estimated from Louisiana average ($102,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Veterinarian Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $36.40 | $291.18 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $47.33 | $378.66 |
| Median (P50) | $58.42 | $467.34 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $72.36 | $578.89 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $90.54 | $724.31 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Sulphur
Based on $58.42/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $58.42/hr, a veterinarian working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Sulphur, LA can expect to earn approximately $121,507 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $70,100. With a cost-of-living index of 90.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Sulphur.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Sulphur
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,336.68 | $10,126 | $121,507 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,402.01 | $6,075 | $72,904 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $934.67 | $4,050 | $48,603 |
Compare DVM Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinarian (Sulphur) | $58.42 |
| Veterinary Technician (National Avg) | $19.39 |
| Physician (National Avg) | $113.07 |
| Dentist (National Avg) | $87.53 |
| Optometrist (National Avg) | $64.22 |
Veterinarians in Sulphur, LA earn a median of $121,496 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.53% lower than the national median of $137,334 and 7.50% below the Louisiana state average of $131,347.
Veterinarian Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $58.42/hr = $72,904/year (purchasing power: $80,736).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $121,507/year (purchasing power: $134,559).
CoL index: 90.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$40.61/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$55.34/hr
2026 Current Est.
$58.42/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+51.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinarians in Sulphur (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.56% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $40.61/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $42.22/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $42.69/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $43.92/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $50.66/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $40.95/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $55.34/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $58.42/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $61.66/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinarians in Sulphur grew 36.3% from $40.61/hr (2019) to $55.34/hr (2025). At a 5.56% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $61.66/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 Sulphur 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 Sulphur
Analyzing the earning potential further illuminates the realities faced by veterinarians in the area. A veterinarian working part-time for 24 hours a week would bring home roughly $45,657 annually at the median hourly rate, whereas a full-time position could yield significantly more. Relief or locum tenens veterinarians often command higher hourly rates, particularly in urgent care or specialty practices, frequently billing $90 to $140 per hour, with even higher rates in emergency situations. The diversity of employer types in Sulphur, ranging from small animal clinics to larger equine practices and government roles, underscores the variability in pay. Some veterinarians may accept positions offering lower hourly rates in exchange for health benefits, while others prefer higher rates with fewer benefits. Negotiation for these roles is critical, especially as corporate chains like VCA and NVA influence market standards, suggesting that those negotiating should be aware of regional trends and emphasize their unique experiences or specializations to secure favorable hourly compensation.
More salary data for Sulphur, LA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinarians in Sulphur in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinarians make in Sulphur?
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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 Sulphur. 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 Sulphur 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