Veterinarian Hourly Pay in Salem, NH: $69.13 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinarian working in Salem, NH runs $69.13 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $143,801 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1131). Weighted against Salem's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.3, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $64.43 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $86,276 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Salem, New Hampshire, the veterinarian hourly pay stands at a median of $69.13, which surpasses the national median of $66.03. This competitive rate benefits both part-time veterinarians and those in per-diem roles, allowing them to thrive in diverse settings such as general practice exam rooms, specialty referral hospitals, equine ambulatory visits, and university teaching clinics. With entry-level positions beginning at around $40.10 per hour and top earners reaching up to $107.16, there's considerable earning potential across the spectrum of this profession. The hourly rates are derived from annual salary data, reflecting the overall stability of veterinary practice in the region and its capacity to attract skilled professionals.
About the Salem Market
Salary estimated from New Hampshire average ($124,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Veterinarian Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $40.10 | $320.82 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $52.82 | $422.58 |
| Median (P50) | $69.13 | $553.05 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $86.28 | $690.28 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $107.16 | $857.32 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Salem
Based on $69.13/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $69.13/hr, a veterinarian working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Salem, NH can expect to earn approximately $143,793 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $82,957. With a cost-of-living index of 107.30 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Salem.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Salem
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,765.25 | $11,983 | $143,793 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,659.15 | $7,190 | $86,276 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,106.10 | $4,793 | $57,517 |
Compare DVM Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinarian (Salem) | $69.13 |
| Veterinary Technician (National Avg) | $19.39 |
| Physician (National Avg) | $113.07 |
| Dentist (National Avg) | $87.53 |
| Optometrist (National Avg) | $64.22 |
Veterinarians in Salem, NH earn a median of $143,801 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.71% higher than the national median of $137,334 and 2.40% below the New Hampshire state average of $147,337.
Veterinarian Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $69.13/hr = $86,276/year (purchasing power: $80,406).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $143,793/year (purchasing power: $134,010).
CoL index: 107.3 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$48.05/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$65.49/hr
2026 Current Est.
$69.13/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+51.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinarians in Salem (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.56% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $48.05/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $49.96/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $50.52/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $51.98/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $59.95/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $62.42/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $65.49/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $69.13/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $72.97/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinarians in Salem grew 36.3% from $48.05/hr (2019) to $65.49/hr (2025). At a 5.56% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $72.97/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 Salem 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 Salem
For those considering the part-time route, working three days a week equates to 24 hours of work, offering a substantial, albeit different, financial outcome compared to full-time dedication. Per diem veterinarians typically command higher rates, often billing between $90 and $140 per hour in general practices. Specialists offering critical services can see per diem rates soar to $150-$250, particularly during high-demand weekend hours where clinics may offer $150-$200 for emergency coverage. Hourly wages vary significantly across employer types in Salem, with corporate chains generally providing consistency in pay but potentially offering fewer benefits than independent practices. Negotiating a favorable hourly rate can hinge on understanding the unique demands of the local market, which is influenced by the recent corporate consolidation trends in the veterinary field, making it crucial for veterinarians to assess the balance of hourly pay and benefits when considering employment options in NH.
More salary data for Salem, NH:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinarians in Salem in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinarians make in Salem?
Are veterinarians in Salem paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinarian make per year in Salem?
Do veterinarians earn more per hour working part-time in Salem?
Related Pages
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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 Salem. 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 Salem 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