Veterinarian Hourly Pay in Erie, PA: $62.77 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinarian working in Erie, PA runs $62.77 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $130,546 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1131). Weighted against Erie's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.0, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $69.01 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $78,332 per year.
Official BLS data · View source

In Erie, Pennsylvania, veterinarians can expect a median hourly pay of $62.77, which is slightly below the national median of $66.03. This rate reflects the compensation structure within various veterinary settings, including general practice, specialty hospitals, and equine ambulatory care. For those working part-time—say three days a week—this hourly rate translates into a sustainable income while preserving work-life balance. The hourly pay for veterinarians in Erie ranges from $37.16 at the entry-level to approximately $86.19 for top earners, providing a clear pathway for career advancement within the field. It's essential to note that this information is derived from 2025 BLS OEWS data projected to 2026, offering official insights into the expected compensation landscape for veterinarians in this city.
Veterinarian Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37.16 | $297.26 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50.18 | $401.47 |
| Median (P50) | $62.77 | $502.13 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $80.03 | $640.20 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $86.19 | $689.52 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Erie
Based on $62.77/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $62.77/hr, a veterinarian working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Erie, PA can expect to earn approximately $130,553 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $75,319. With a cost-of-living index of 90.95 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Erie.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Erie
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,510.64 | $10,879 | $130,553 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,506.38 | $6,528 | $78,332 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,004.26 | $4,352 | $52,221 |
Compare DVM Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinarian (Erie) | $62.77 |
| Veterinary Technician (National Avg) | $19.39 |
| Physician (National Avg) | $113.07 |
| Dentist (National Avg) | $87.53 |
| Optometrist (National Avg) | $64.22 |
Veterinarians in Erie, PA earn a median of $130,546 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.94% lower than the national median of $137,334 and 5.60% below the Pennsylvania state average of $138,290.
Veterinarian Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $62.77/hr = $78,332/year (purchasing power: $86,126).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $130,553/year (purchasing power: $143,544).
CoL index: 90.95 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$39.50/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$59.46/hr
2026 Current Est.
$62.77/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+67.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinarians in Erie (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.56% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39.50/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $39.81/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $46.95/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $50.10/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $50.81/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $51.25/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $59.46/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $62.77/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $66.26/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinarians in Erie grew 50.5% from $39.50/hr (2019) to $59.46/hr (2025). At a 5.56% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $66.26/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 Erie 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 Erie
For part-time veterinarians working 24 hours a week, the financial outlook can be quite stable, providing a meaningful income while allowing for flexibility. However, per diem options present an enticing alternative. Relief veterinarians in Erie can charge between $90 and $140 per hour in general practices, with specialty relief rates reaching up to $250 for surgery and emergency cases. These financial incentives result in distinct earnings depending on the practice type; corporate chains often offer lower wages compared to independent practices while providing benefits, focusing on a steady income versus potential higher hourly pay without health coverage. Negotiating hourly rates in Erie can be strategic; understanding the operational costs and demands of different veterinary practices gives veterinarians an edge when discussing salary packages with potential employers. With corporate consolidation shaping the industry, the differences in hourly compensation across various practice settings are increasingly significant, as competition rises to recruit and retain skilled professionals in this growing field.
More salary data for Erie, PA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinarians in Erie in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinarians make in Erie?
Are veterinarians in Erie paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinarian make per year in Erie?
Do veterinarians earn more per hour working part-time in Erie?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Pennsylvania
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 Erie. 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