Veterinarian Hourly Pay in Cottage Grove, MN: $65.11 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinarian working in Cottage Grove, MN runs $65.11 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $135,438 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1131). Weighted against Cottage Grove's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national), each hour of work buys what $66.10 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $81,257 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Cottage Grove, the veterinarian hourly pay is projected to be $65.11 in 2026, slightly below the national median of $66.03. This figure reflects a solid income for professionals working in various settings such as general practice exam rooms and specialty hospitals, where the roles can vary widely. Part-time veterinarians working three days a week can expect to earn around $62,000 annually, while per-diem roles might offer varying compensation based on demand and expertise. The hourly rates range significantly, with entry-level positions starting at $37.77 and experienced professionals, particularly those in specialized fields, earning as much as $100.93 per hour. These estimates are derived from annual salary data and provide a framework for assessing earnings in this sector across different workplace environments in Cottage Grove.
About the Cottage Grove Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($124,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Veterinarian Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37.77 | $302.15 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50.65 | $405.18 |
| Median (P50) | $65.11 | $520.88 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $80.69 | $645.52 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $100.93 | $807.41 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Cottage Grove
Based on $65.11/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $65.11/hr, a veterinarian working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Cottage Grove, MN can expect to earn approximately $135,428 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $78,131. With a cost-of-living index of 98.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Cottage Grove.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Cottage Grove
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,604.38 | $11,286 | $135,428 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,562.63 | $6,771 | $81,257 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,041.75 | $4,514 | $54,171 |
Compare DVM Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinarian (Cottage Grove) | $65.11 |
| Veterinary Technician (National Avg) | $19.39 |
| Physician (National Avg) | $113.07 |
| Dentist (National Avg) | $87.53 |
| Optometrist (National Avg) | $64.22 |
Veterinarians in Cottage Grove, MN earn a median of $135,438 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.38% lower than the national median of $137,334 and 1.30% below the Minnesota state average of $137,222.
Veterinarian Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $65.11/hr = $81,257/year (purchasing power: $82,494).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $135,428/year (purchasing power: $137,490).
CoL index: 98.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$45.26/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$61.68/hr
2026 Current Est.
$65.11/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+51.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinarians in Cottage Grove (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.56% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45.26/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $47.05/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $47.59/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $48.96/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $56.46/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $57.96/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $61.68/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65.11/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $68.73/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinarians in Cottage Grove grew 36.3% from $45.26/hr (2019) to $61.68/hr (2025). At a 5.56% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $68.73/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 Cottage Grove 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 Cottage Grove
Veterinarians looking to work part-time in Cottage Grove may find that a 24-hour workweek results in a significantly different financial picture compared to their full-time counterparts. Many choose flexible per-diem positions, allowing them to bill rates that can vary dramatically – with standard relief roles averaging between $90 and $140 per hour, while specialized emergency or surgical services could command rates of $150 to $250. The type of practice can impact earnings; corporate chains may offer stability with benefits, while independent practices might pay less per hour but provide an opportunity for increased client engagement. For veterinarians negotiating hourly rates, focusing on the total compensation package, including benefits versus pay, is key. Understanding market demand and having insight into the shifts caused by corporate consolidation trends can aid in making informed decisions about career paths in Cottage Grove.
More salary data for Cottage Grove, MN:
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 Cottage Grove. 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 Cottage Grove 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