Veterinarian Hourly Pay in Wenatchee, WA: $76.21 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinarian working in Wenatchee, WA runs $76.21 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $158,528 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1131). Weighted against Wenatchee's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $70.96 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $95,115 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Wenatchee, Washington, veterinarians earn a median hourly rate of $76.21, which is notably higher than the national hourly median of $66.03. This increased hourly compensation reflects the region's demand for veterinary services and can be particularly beneficial for part-time veterinarians working in various settings, such as general practice exam rooms or specialty referral hospitals. For example, a veterinarian working three days a week can expect to earn significantly relative to their full-time counterparts, thus making part-time positions financially viable. The hourly pay ranges from $45.24 for entry-level positions to $118.13 for top earners in the field. Such distinctions allow veterinarians in Wenatchee to tailor their work schedules while still enjoying competitive pay based on estimated annual salary data.
About the Wenatchee 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) | $45.24 | $361.94 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $60.21 | $481.69 |
| Median (P50) | $76.21 | $609.71 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $97.12 | $776.92 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $118.13 | $945.06 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Wenatchee
Based on $76.21/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $76.21/hr, a veterinarian working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Wenatchee, WA can expect to earn approximately $158,526 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $91,457. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Wenatchee.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Wenatchee
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,048.57 | $13,210 | $158,526 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,829.14 | $7,926 | $95,115 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,219.43 | $5,284 | $63,410 |
Compare DVM Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinarian (Wenatchee) | $76.21 |
| Veterinary Technician (National Avg) | $19.39 |
| Physician (National Avg) | $113.07 |
| Dentist (National Avg) | $87.53 |
| Optometrist (National Avg) | $64.22 |
Veterinarians in Wenatchee, WA earn a median of $158,528 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.43% higher than the national median of $137,334 and 5.20% below the Washington state average of $167,224.
Veterinarian Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $76.21/hr = $95,115/year (purchasing power: $88,562).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $158,526/year (purchasing power: $147,603).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$52.98/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$72.20/hr
2026 Current Est.
$76.21/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+51.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinarians in Wenatchee (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.56% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $52.98/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $55.08/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $55.70/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $57.30/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $66.10/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $69.52/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $72.20/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $76.21/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $80.45/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinarians in Wenatchee grew 36.3% from $52.98/hr (2019) to $72.20/hr (2025). At a 5.56% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $80.45/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 Wenatchee 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 Wenatchee
For those considering relief or locum tenens roles, the per diem veterinarian pay in Wenatchee can vary widely. Relief veterinarians often command between $90 and $140 per hour in general practices, while specialists dealing with surgical and emergency care may earn from $150 to $250 per hour. This flexibility can be appealing, particularly for those balancing lifestyle choices with career ambitions. However, the types of employers affect hourly rates significantly; corporate chains and independent practices may have different pay scales based on their operational models and benefits. Many veterinarians opt for lower hourly rates in exchange for health insurance and job security, which is an important consideration in this evolving employment climate. When negotiating terms, it’s vital to research regional standards and ensure that any contractual agreements reflect skill level and job responsibilities appropriately within the vibrant veterinary community of Wenatchee.
More salary data for Wenatchee, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinarians in Wenatchee in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinarians make in Wenatchee?
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How much does a full-time veterinarian make per year in Wenatchee?
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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 Wenatchee. 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 Wenatchee 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