Veterinarian Hourly Pay in Cary, NC: $65.84 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinarian working in Cary, NC runs $65.84 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $136,943 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1131). Weighted against Cary's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $70.34 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $82,166 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Cary, North Carolina, veterinarians can expect a median hourly pay of $65.84, closely trailing the national median of $66.03. This rate highlights the competitive compensation landscape for those working in varied settings such as general practice exam rooms, surgical suites, and specialty referral hospitals. For part-time veterinarians working three days a week, this hourly pay translates to substantial earnings given the flexible nature of their roles, especially those engaged in per-diem work. The hourly rates range significantly, from approximately $38.93 for entry-level positions to $102.04 for top earners, indicating that experience and specialization can provide lucrative advantages in this field. These figures are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS data, projected to illuminate the evolving financial climate for veterinary professionals in Cary in 2026.
About the Cary Market
Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($112,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Veterinarian Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38.93 | $311.44 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $52.13 | $417.00 |
| Median (P50) | $65.84 | $526.70 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $83.40 | $667.22 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $102.04 | $816.36 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Cary
Based on $65.84/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $65.84/hr, a veterinarian working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Cary, NC can expect to earn approximately $136,943 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $79,005. With a cost-of-living index of 93.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Cary.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Cary
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,633.51 | $11,412 | $136,943 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,580.11 | $6,847 | $82,166 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,053.40 | $4,565 | $54,777 |
Compare DVM Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinarian (Cary) | $65.84 |
| Veterinary Technician (National Avg) | $19.39 |
| Physician (National Avg) | $113.07 |
| Dentist (National Avg) | $87.53 |
| Optometrist (National Avg) | $64.22 |
Veterinarians in Cary, NC earn a median of $136,943 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.28% lower than the national median of $137,334 and 0.50% above the North Carolina state average of $136,262.
Veterinarian Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $65.84/hr = $82,166/year (purchasing power: $87,784).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $136,943/year (purchasing power: $146,306).
CoL index: 93.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$45.76/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$62.37/hr
2026 Current Est.
$65.84/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+51.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinarians in Cary (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.56% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45.76/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $47.58/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $48.12/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $49.50/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $57.10/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $50.66/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $62.37/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65.84/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $69.50/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinarians in Cary grew 36.3% from $45.76/hr (2019) to $62.37/hr (2025). At a 5.56% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $69.50/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 Cary 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 Cary
For veterinarians considering part-time positions in Cary, working 24 hours weekly could yield an annual income significantly lower than a full-time counterpart, impacting personal financial strategies. Relief and locum work present additional earning avenues; skilled veterinarians in this area can bill between $90 and $140 per hour at general practices, with specialty relief services demanding even higher rates, reaching $150-$250 per hour. The type of employer determines many dynamics in hourly pay — corporate veterinary practices, which make up a considerable market segment, tend to offer structured pay scales, while independents may negotiate differently. The trade-off between higher hourly wages and the benefits offered by some employers complicates decisions on job selection. Vaccinators looking to maximize their earnings in Cary should inquire about health benefits, bonus structures, and the potential for overtime to thrive in this dynamic profession.
More salary data for Cary, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Cary. 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 Cary 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