Veterinarian Hourly Pay in Huntsville, AL: $56.96 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinarian working in Huntsville, AL runs $56.96 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $118,470 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1131). Weighted against Huntsville's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.1, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $61.20 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $71,086 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Huntsville, Alabama, veterinarians can expect a median hourly rate of $56.96 in 2026. This figure is noticeably lower than the national median of $66.03, which may reflect the local cost of living index, currently rated at 93.072, well below the national average of 100. For part-time veterinarians working three days a week, typically clocking around 24 hours, this hourly rate translates into a workable income, allowing practitioners in various environments—such as general practice clinics, referral hospitals, or on-site inspections—to maintain a decent standard of living. Additionally, hourly earnings range from $38.53 at the 10th percentile to $89.27 at the 90th percentile, showcasing the potential for significant variance based on experience and practice setting.
Veterinarian Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38.53 | $308.24 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50.88 | $407.04 |
| Median (P50) | $56.96 | $455.68 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $67.74 | $541.90 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $89.27 | $714.18 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Huntsville
Based on $56.96/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $56.96/hr, a veterinarian working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Huntsville, AL can expect to earn approximately $118,477 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $68,352. With a cost-of-living index of 93.07 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Huntsville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Huntsville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,278.41 | $9,873 | $118,477 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,367.04 | $5,924 | $71,086 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $911.36 | $3,949 | $47,391 |
Compare DVM Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinarian (Huntsville) | $56.96 |
| Veterinary Technician (National Avg) | $19.39 |
| Physician (National Avg) | $113.07 |
| Dentist (National Avg) | $87.53 |
| Optometrist (National Avg) | $64.22 |
Veterinarians in Huntsville, AL earn a median of $118,470 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.74% lower than the national median of $137,334 and 9.30% above the Alabama state average of $108,390.
Veterinarian Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $56.96/hr = $71,086/year (purchasing power: $76,378).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $118,477/year (purchasing power: $127,296).
CoL index: 93.072 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$49.07/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$53.96/hr
2026 Current Est.
$56.96/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinarians in Huntsville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.56% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $49.07/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $47.86/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $49.59/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $48.56/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $48.78/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $47.35/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $53.96/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $56.96/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $60.13/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinarians in Huntsville grew 10.0% from $49.07/hr (2019) to $53.96/hr (2025). At a 5.56% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $60.13/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 Huntsville 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 Huntsville
When considering earnings, part-time veterinarians in Huntsville might find that their annual income—derived from 3-day workweeks—can be appealing compared to full-time commitments, yet often lacks benefits. Conversely, per diem veterinarian pay in Huntsville can command significantly higher rates. Those seeking relief positions may earn between $90 and $140 per hour in general practices, while specialty relief roles can reach $150-$250 per hour, with weekend emergency shifts often attracting rates of $150-$200 for critical care. Hourly rates fluctuate significantly across various employer types in the region, such as corporate chains versus independent practices or specialty referral hospitals. As corporate consolidation progresses, veterinarians may weigh the trade-offs between lower hourly rates accompanied by health benefits and higher, benefit-free pay. Effective negotiation comes into play, especially for hourly workers, as aligning with corporate structures might affect the compensation landscape in Huntsville's veterinary market.
More salary data for Huntsville, AL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinarians in Huntsville in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinarians make in Huntsville?
Are veterinarians in Huntsville paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinarian make per year in Huntsville?
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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 Huntsville. 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