Veterinarian Hourly Pay in Billings, MT: $47.27 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinarian working in Billings, MT runs $47.27 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $98,319 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1131). Weighted against Billings's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.5, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $50.54 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $58,993 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Billings, Montana, the veterinarian hourly pay stands at a median rate of $47.27, which is significantly lower than the national median of $66.03. This pay scale provides insights for both part-time and per-diem veterinarians commonly working in various settings such as general practice exam rooms, surgical suites, and specialized referral wards. The hourly rate varies widely, with entry-level veterinarians earning approximately $28.26, while top earners can command as much as $84.63. With a solid demand for veterinary services in the area, professionals can consider both full-time and flexible roles that allow for diverse work experiences, from university teaching hospitals to equine ambulatory visits. These figures stem from the official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data, reflecting projected rates for 2026.
Veterinarian Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $28.26 | $226.07 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $31.51 | $252.08 |
| Median (P50) | $47.27 | $378.16 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $62.31 | $498.50 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $84.63 | $677.02 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Billings
Based on $47.27/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $47.27/hr, a veterinarian working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Billings, MT can expect to earn approximately $98,321 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $56,724. With a cost-of-living index of 93.53 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Billings.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Billings
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,890.79 | $8,193 | $98,321 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,134.47 | $4,916 | $58,993 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $756.32 | $3,277 | $39,328 |
Compare DVM Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinarian (Billings) | $47.27 |
| Veterinary Technician (National Avg) | $19.39 |
| Physician (National Avg) | $113.07 |
| Dentist (National Avg) | $87.53 |
| Optometrist (National Avg) | $64.22 |
Veterinarians in Billings, MT earn a median of $98,319 per year (2026 est.), which is 28.41% lower than the national median of $137,334 and 25.60% below the Montana state average of $132,149.
Veterinarian Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $47.27/hr = $58,993/year (purchasing power: $63,076).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $98,321/year (purchasing power: $105,127).
CoL index: 93.526 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$44.97/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$44.78/hr
2026 Current Est.
$47.27/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+11.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinarians in Billings (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.56% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44.97/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $45.00/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $38.40/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $38.65/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $39.18/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $38.72/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $44.78/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47.27/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49.90/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinarians in Billings grew -0.4% from $44.97/hr (2019) to $44.78/hr (2025). At a 5.56% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $49.90/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 Billings 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 Billings
Examining the part-time earnings potential, a veterinarian working three days a week for a total of 24 hours will bring home around $59,292 annually, which represents a substantial difference compared to their full-time counterparts. Per diem veterinarian pay in Billings varies significantly, with relief veterinarians often billing between $90 and $140 per hour in general practices, while specialty relief veterinarians, such as those in surgery or emergency critical care, can earn between $150 and $250 per hour. Hourly rates also fluctuate depending on the type of employer, with corporate clinics like VCA and BluePearl often providing lower hourly rates but better benefits than independent practices or specialty hospitals. Some veterinarians may choose to accept lower hourly compensation to access health benefits, highlighting the trade-offs in the profession. For those negotiating salaries, it’s crucial to research and understand the earning norms across different veterinary sectors in Billings, ensuring that any contract aligns with one's career goals and financial needs.
More salary data for Billings, MT:
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 Billings. 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