Veterinarian Hourly Pay in Salem, VA: $59.04 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinarian working in Salem, VA runs $59.04 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $122,807 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 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $57.21 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $73,682 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Salem, VA, the veterinarian hourly pay is projected at $59.04 in 2026, which is significantly lower than the national hourly median of $66.03. This difference has implications for both full-time and part-time veterinarians, particularly for those working three days a week, or utilizing per-diem contracts. Veterinarians in various settings such as general practice exam rooms, surgical suites, and specialty hospitals often experience a broad hourly pay range; from entry-level positions starting at $34.24 to top earners who command as much as $91.51. Understanding this hourly structure can help veterinarians navigate their career paths, whether seeking stable employment in corporate chains like VCA and BluePearl or aiming for higher pay in independent practices or specialty fields.
About the Salem Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($118,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Veterinarian Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $34.24 | $273.95 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $48.24 | $385.93 |
| Median (P50) | $59.04 | $472.32 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $73.24 | $585.90 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $91.51 | $732.08 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Salem
Based on $59.04/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $59.04/hr, a veterinarian working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Salem, VA can expect to earn approximately $122,803 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $70,848. With a cost-of-living index of 103.20 (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) | $2,361.59 | $10,234 | $122,803 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,416.95 | $6,140 | $73,682 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $944.64 | $4,093 | $49,121 |
Compare DVM Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinarian (Salem) | $59.04 |
| Veterinary Technician (National Avg) | $19.39 |
| Physician (National Avg) | $113.07 |
| Dentist (National Avg) | $87.53 |
| Optometrist (National Avg) | $64.22 |
Veterinarians in Salem, VA earn a median of $122,807 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.58% lower than the national median of $137,334 and 3.00% below the Virginia state average of $126,606.
Veterinarian Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $59.04/hr = $73,682/year (purchasing power: $71,397).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $122,803/year (purchasing power: $118,995).
CoL index: 103.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$41.04/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$55.93/hr
2026 Current Est.
$59.04/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 | $41.04/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $42.67/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $43.15/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $44.39/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $51.20/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $56.76/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $55.93/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $59.04/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $62.32/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinarians in Salem grew 36.3% from $41.04/hr (2019) to $55.93/hr (2025). At a 5.56% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $62.32/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
Part-time veterinarians working a typical schedule of 24 hours a week can earn significantly less on an annual basis compared to their full-time counterparts. For instance, a vet working three days a week might see annual earnings that pale compared to collective hourly income. The per-diem model, which is increasingly popular in Salem, allows for greater flexibility and often commands higher veterinarian hourly rates; relief veterinarians may charge anywhere from $90 to $140 per hour in general practice settings, while specialists can exceed $200 for weekend and emergency coverage. It's essential to note that hourly rates vary by employer type; corporate practices might offer lower hourly wages compared to independent clinics, despite additional benefits. For those in Salem looking to negotiate hourly pay, understanding the local market, considering benefits versus higher pay without insurance, and emphasizing experience can prove vital in securing a favorable compensation package.
More salary data for Salem, VA:
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