Veterinarian Hourly Pay in Seattle, WA: $83.14 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinarian working in Seattle, WA runs $83.14 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $172,918 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1131). Weighted against Seattle's regional price level (BEA RPP 111.1, 11% above national), each hour of work buys what $74.81 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $103,758 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Seattle, the veterinarian hourly pay is impressive, with a median rate of $83.14, significantly higher than the national average of $66.03. This advantageous rate not only benefits full-time veterinarians but also makes part-time and per-diem work attractive. For those working three days a week, the hourly rate translates into viable compensation in settings such as general practice, hospital wards, and even pharmaceutical offices. Entry-level veterinarians may earn around $50.37 per hour, while experienced professionals can command up to $139.08, showcasing a broad range of earning possibilities in Seattle's diverse veterinary landscape. These figures are drawn from official Bureau of Labor Statistics data, providing a factual basis for evaluating career options in this field.
Veterinarian Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $50.37 | $402.99 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $65.43 | $523.41 |
| Median (P50) | $83.14 | $665.11 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $102.52 | $820.16 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $139.08 | $1112.60 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Seattle
Based on $83.14/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $83.14/hr, a veterinarian working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Seattle, WA can expect to earn approximately $172,929 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $99,767. With a cost-of-living index of 111.13 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Seattle.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Seattle
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,325.56 | $14,411 | $172,929 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,995.34 | $8,646 | $103,758 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,330.22 | $5,764 | $69,172 |
Compare DVM Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinarian (Seattle) | $83.14 |
| Veterinary Technician (National Avg) | $19.39 |
| Physician (National Avg) | $113.07 |
| Dentist (National Avg) | $87.53 |
| Optometrist (National Avg) | $64.22 |
Veterinarians in Seattle, WA earn a median of $172,918 per year (2026 est.), which is 25.91% higher than the national median of $137,334 and 3.40% above the Washington state average of $167,232.
Veterinarian Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $83.14/hr = $103,758/year (purchasing power: $93,363).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $172,929/year (purchasing power: $155,606).
CoL index: 111.133 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$46.37/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$78.76/hr
2026 Current Est.
$83.14/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+89.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinarians in Seattle (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.56% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $46.37/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $47.80/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $61.70/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $62.70/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $65.42/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $76.50/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $78.76/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $83.14/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $87.76/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinarians in Seattle grew 69.9% from $46.37/hr (2019) to $78.76/hr (2025). At a 5.56% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $87.76/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 Seattle 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 Seattle
Evaluating the nuances of veterinarian hourly work in Seattle reveals distinctive earning potential for part-time and per-diem practitioners. A veterinarian working just 24 hours a week could take home approximately $103,705 annually while enjoying a desirable work-life balance. Meanwhile, relief veterinarians, who often bill hourly, typically earn between $90-$140 in general practices, with specialty relief roles such as surgery or emergency medicine skyrocketing to $150-$250 per hour. Employers in Seattle include corporate chains, independent practices, and specialized facilities, each offering different hourly rates and benefits. While some may accept lower pay for the stability of health insurance, others thrive in the higher hourly rates that come with agency work. Veterinarians considering their options should carefully weigh these aspects, as negotiating in this market can be key, especially given the competitive landscape influenced by corporate consolidation trends. Understanding the various employer types is essential, allowing for strategic career decisions that align with personal and financial goals.
More salary data for Seattle, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinarians in Seattle in 2026?
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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 Seattle. 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