Veterinarian Salary

Veterinarian Hourly Pay in Puyallup, WA: $76.97 (2026)

Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinarian working in Puyallup, WA runs $76.97 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $160,099 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1131). Weighted against Puyallup's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $71.67 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $96,064 per year.

$160,099
Median Annual Salary
$76.97/hr
Hourly Rate
$97,591
Entry Level (P10)
$248,153
Top Earners (P90)

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Veterinarian Hourly Rate in Puyallup, WA — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Puyallup, WA veterinarian hourly rate overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

In Puyallup, Washington, veterinary professionals can expect a median hourly pay of $76.97, which is notably higher than the national median of $66.03. This competitive hourly rate positions Puyallup veterinarians well within the broader market, benefiting those working in diverse settings such as general practice exam rooms, surgical suites, and equine ambulatory visits. The hourly wage varies significantly in this area, ranging from an entry-level rate of $46.92 at the 10th percentile to $119.30 for the top earners at the 90th percentile. For those opting for part-time positions, such as working three days a week, or pursuing per-diem roles, this hourly compensation translates into varied income opportunities based on hours worked and type of practice setting. Such potential earnings allow for flexibility while catering to the demand across various veterinary sectors in Puyallup.

About the Puyallup Market

Salary estimated from Washington average ($142,000) adjusted for local cost of living.

Veterinarian Hourly Wage Breakdown

PercentileHourly RatePer 8hr Shift
Entry Level (P10)$46.92$375.37
Lower Range (P25)$61.72$493.77
Median (P50)$76.97$615.79
Upper Range (P75)$98.52$788.15
Top Earners (P90)$119.30$954.43

Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Puyallup

Based on $76.97/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.

Horizontal bars showing a veterinarian in Puyallup earning $76.97/hr would make approximately $92,369 part-time (24 hr/wk) or $160,107 full-time (40 hr/wk).Part-Time (24 hr/wk)$92,369Reduced (32 hr/wk)$123,159Full-Time (40 hr/wk)$160,107

At $76.97/hr, a veterinarian working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Puyallup, WA can expect to earn approximately $160,107 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $92,369. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Puyallup.

Annual estimates assume 5052 working weeks per year. Actual earnings vary by employer, overtime, and benefits.

Hourly Rate Calculator

$615.79
per 8hr shift
$3,078.97
per week
$13,342
per month
$160,107
per year

Schedule Comparison in Puyallup

ScheduleWeeklyMonthlyAnnual
Full-Time (40 hrs)$3,078.97$13,342$160,107
Part-Time (24 hrs)$1,847.38$8,005$96,064
Per Diem (16 hrs)$1,231.59$5,337$64,043

Compare DVM Wages With Similar Roles

RoleMedian Hourly
Veterinarian (Puyallup)$76.97
Veterinary Technician (National Avg)$19.39
Physician (National Avg)$113.07
Dentist (National Avg)$87.53
Optometrist (National Avg)$64.22
Horizontal bar chart comparing veterinarian median salary in Puyallup ($160,099) with Washington average ($167,118) and the US national median ($137,334).Puyallup$160,099Washington Avg$167,118-4.20%US National$137,334+16.58%

Veterinarians in Puyallup, WA earn a median of $160,099 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.58% higher than the national median of $137,334 and 4.20% below the Washington state average of $167,118.

Veterinarian Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living

Working 24h/week at $76.97/hr = $96,064/year (purchasing power: $89,445).

Working 40h/week (full-time) = $160,107/year (purchasing power: $149,075).

CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).

2019 BLS Actual

$53.50/hr

2025 BLS Actual

$72.92/hr

2026 Current Est.

$76.97/hr

2019–2027 Growth

+51.9%

Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinarians in Puyallup (20192027)

2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.56% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Hourly rate trajectory chart for veterinarians in Puyallup. Baseline $53.50/hr in 2025, projected to $81.25/hr by 2027.$48$58$67$77$872019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$53.50$55.63$56.26$57.88$66.75$70.21$72.92$76.97$81.25
YearHourly RateStatus
2019$53.50/hrActual
2020$55.63/hrActual
2021$56.26/hrActual
2022$57.88/hrActual
2023$66.75/hrActual
2024$70.21/hrActual
2025$72.92/hrActual
2026(current)$76.97/hrEstimated
2027$81.25/hrProjected

Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinarians in Puyallup grew 36.3% from $53.50/hr (2019) to $72.92/hr (2025). At a 5.56% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $81.25/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem veterinarians can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.

Note: Historical values (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Puyallup metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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 Puyallup

Part-time veterinarians in Puyallup working a typical schedule of 24 hours per week might see considerably different annual earnings compared to their full-time counterparts. Full-time positions generally promise a stable income, whereas part-timers may take home around $96,061 annually based on their reduced hours, a significant difference from those working full-time. For locum tenens and relief veterinarians, the situation further varies, with per diem rates ranging from $90 to $140 per hour in general practices. Specialty relief roles can demand between $150 and $250 per hour, particularly for veterinary fields such as surgery and emergency medicine. Additionally, employment type affects hourly compensation; veterinarians at corporate chains might earn less than those at independent practices or specialty referral hospitals. While some may choose higher hourly pay without benefits, others accept lower rates for health insurance and job security. Negotiation opportunities abound, especially as corporate consolidation influences the market, enabling savvy veterinarians to seek compensation aligned with their skills and preferred work environment in the evolving Puyallup veterinary landscape.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hourly rate for veterinarians in Puyallup in 2026?

The estimated 2026 median hourly rate for veterinarians in Puyallup is $76.97/hour, based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 5.56% annual growth). Rates range from $46.92 at entry level (10th percentile) to $119.30 for experienced practitioners (90th percentile). This is 16.6% above the national average. Hourly pay varies based on practice type, patient volume, years of experience, and whether the position includes benefits.

How much do part-time veterinarians make in Puyallup?

A part-time veterinarian working 3 days per week (24 hours) in Puyallup earns approximately $8,005/month, or $96,064/year at the median hourly rate of $76.97. Many veterinarians prefer part-time schedules for work-life balance, and some work at multiple practices to maximize earnings. Part-time positions may not include benefits like health insurance or retirement contributions, but typically offer higher hourly rates to compensate.

Are veterinarians in Puyallup paid hourly or salary?

The majority of veterinarians in Puyallup are paid hourly at a median rate of $76.97/hour. Some full-time positions at larger practices or organizations offer salaried compensation around $160,107/year, often bundled with benefits including health insurance, paid time off, retirement plans, and continuing education allowances. Hourly pay gives flexibility, while salary positions provide income stability.

How much does a full-time veterinarian make per year in Puyallup?

A full-time veterinarian working 40 hours per week (2,080 hours/year) in Puyallup earns approximately $160,107/year at the median hourly rate of $76.97. This is 16.6% above the national median. Top earners working full-time can reach $248,152/year at the 90th percentile rate. Overtime and weekend shifts may further increase annual earnings.

Do veterinarians earn more per hour working part-time in Puyallup?

Part-time and per diem veterinarians in Puyallup sometimes command higher hourly rates — up to $119.30/hour — because practices need flexible coverage for specific days or peak hours. However, part-time positions typically do not include benefits like health insurance, paid time off, or retirement contributions. When factoring in the value of benefits, full-time salaried positions may offer comparable or better total compensation despite a slightly lower hourly rate.

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.

Clinically reviewed by Dr. Samuel Patel, DVMData verified by Dr. Maria Gomez, DVM

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 Puyallup. 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 Puyallup is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).

View estimation methodology

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

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