Veterinarian Hourly Pay in Leland, NC: $60.83 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinarian working in Leland, NC runs $60.83 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $126,529 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1131). Weighted against Leland's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $64.99 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $75,921 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Leland, North Carolina, veterinarians earn a median hourly rate of $60.83, which is significantly lower than the national median of $66.03 per hour. This discrepancy highlights the local economic factors that influence veterinarian hourly pay in NC, potentially affecting job attractiveness for those considering part-time or per-diem positions. For instance, part-time veterinarians working three days a week (24 hours) can expect to earn around $1,459 weekly, whereas per-diem veterinarians can command varying rates depending on their level of expertise; common scenarios in general practice might range up to $94.29 per hour for top earners, while entry-level positions may start at $38.34. Understanding these numbers is essential for those working in multiple environments, including general practice exam rooms, surgical suites, or specialty referral hospital wards.
About the Leland 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) | $38.34 | $306.72 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $49.60 | $396.82 |
| Median (P50) | $60.83 | $486.67 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $76.94 | $615.54 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $94.29 | $754.29 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Leland
Based on $60.83/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $60.83/hr, a veterinarian working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Leland, NC can expect to earn approximately $126,535 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $73,001. With a cost-of-living index of 93.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Leland.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Leland
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,433.37 | $10,545 | $126,535 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,460.02 | $6,327 | $75,921 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $973.35 | $4,218 | $50,614 |
Compare DVM Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinarian (Leland) | $60.83 |
| Veterinary Technician (National Avg) | $19.39 |
| Physician (National Avg) | $113.07 |
| Dentist (National Avg) | $87.53 |
| Optometrist (National Avg) | $64.22 |
Veterinarians in Leland, NC earn a median of $126,529 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.87% lower than the national median of $137,334 and 7.10% below the North Carolina state average of $136,200.
Veterinarian Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $60.83/hr = $75,921/year (purchasing power: $81,112).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $126,535/year (purchasing power: $135,187).
CoL index: 93.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$42.29/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$57.63/hr
2026 Current Est.
$60.83/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+51.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinarians in Leland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.56% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42.29/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $43.96/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $44.46/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $45.74/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $52.76/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $46.80/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $57.63/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $60.83/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $64.22/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinarians in Leland grew 36.3% from $42.29/hr (2019) to $57.63/hr (2025). At a 5.56% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $64.22/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 Leland 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 Leland
Focusing on part-time work reveals much about the earning potential for Leland veterinarians. Working part-time at an average of 24 hours per week could yield an approximate annual take-home of around $75,000, whereas a full-time veterinarian could see earnings significantly above that, justifying the common pivot toward full-time roles for those who can manage them. Per diem opportunities exist where relief veterans, especially in specialty areas such as anesthesia or surgery, can make anywhere from $90 to $250 per hour, reflecting the urgency and expertise required in such roles. Employers in Leland range from corporate chain clinics like VCA and BluePearl to independent practices and specialty hospitals, leading to variations in pay based on the type of establishment. Some veterinarians may opt for lower hourly rates in exchange for health benefits, calling for a careful consideration of overall compensation packages. For negotiations, emphasizing relevant experience and flexible availability can be key strategies for maximizing profitability in this changing veterinary landscape.
More salary data for Leland, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinarians in Leland in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinarians make in Leland?
Are veterinarians in Leland paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinarian make per year in Leland?
Do veterinarians earn more per hour working part-time in Leland?
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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 Leland. 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 Leland 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