Veterinarian Hourly Pay in Ellensburg, WA: $76.68 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinarian working in Ellensburg, WA runs $76.68 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $159,497 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1131). Weighted against Ellensburg's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $71.40 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $95,695 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Ellensburg, Washington, veterinarians anticipate a median hourly pay of $76.68 in 2026, positioned significantly above the national hourly median of $66.03. This higher wage reflects the competitive nature of veterinary services in the region, especially considering that many veterinarians work in various settings including general practice exam rooms and specialty referral hospitals. For part-time veterinarians working three days a week, this hourly rate translates to substantial earnings, while per-diem roles can vary widely, presenting opportunities for flexible work schedules in places like university teaching hospitals or equine ambulatory practices. Hourly earnings in Ellensburg range from about $45.32 for entry-level positions to $118.86 for top earners, giving both new graduates and seasoned professionals a diverse earning potential based on experience and specialization.
About the Ellensburg Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($142,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Veterinarian Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $45.32 | $362.54 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $60.34 | $482.70 |
| Median (P50) | $76.68 | $613.43 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $94.94 | $759.53 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $118.86 | $950.88 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Ellensburg
Based on $76.68/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $76.68/hr, a veterinarian working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Ellensburg, WA can expect to earn approximately $159,492 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $92,015. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Ellensburg.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Ellensburg
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,067.15 | $13,291 | $159,492 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,840.29 | $7,975 | $95,695 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,226.86 | $5,316 | $63,797 |
Compare DVM Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinarian (Ellensburg) | $76.68 |
| Veterinary Technician (National Avg) | $19.39 |
| Physician (National Avg) | $113.07 |
| Dentist (National Avg) | $87.53 |
| Optometrist (National Avg) | $64.22 |
Veterinarians in Ellensburg, WA earn a median of $159,497 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.14% higher than the national median of $137,334 and 4.60% below the Washington state average of $167,188.
Veterinarian Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $76.68/hr = $95,695/year (purchasing power: $89,102).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $159,492/year (purchasing power: $148,503).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$53.30/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$72.64/hr
2026 Current Est.
$76.68/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+51.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinarians in Ellensburg (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.56% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $53.30/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $55.42/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $56.04/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $57.65/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $66.50/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $69.94/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $72.64/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $76.68/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $80.94/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinarians in Ellensburg grew 36.3% from $53.30/hr (2019) to $72.64/hr (2025). At a 5.56% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $80.94/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 Ellensburg 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 Ellensburg
When examining earning potential for part-time veterinarians in Ellensburg, those working 24 hours per week could still achieve a respectable annual income, especially when contrasted with their full-time counterparts. Per diem or locum veterinarians, often hired to fill gaps in staffing, can command rates between $90-$140/hr at general practices, while specialty relief veterinarians see even higher compensation, billing $150-$250/hr for advanced procedures. Different types of employers, such as small animal clinics or large animal practices, may offer varied wages, further enhanced by corporate versus independent practice structures. Some veterinarians may choose positions with lower hourly pay in exchange for benefits like health insurance, while others might negotiate higher rates without benefits. Understanding the nuances of veterinarian hourly pay in WA, particularly in the evolving landscape shaped by corporate consolidation, is essential for both aspiring and established veterinary professionals navigating their career paths.
More salary data for Ellensburg, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Ellensburg. 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 Ellensburg 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