Veterinarian Hourly Pay in Northport, AL: $50.89 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinarian working in Northport, AL runs $50.89 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $105,860 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1131). Weighted against Northport's regional price level (BEA RPP 87.9, 12% below national), each hour of work buys what $57.90 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $63,511 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Northport, Alabama, the veterinarian hourly pay is projected to be $50.89 in 2026, falling short of the national median of $66.03 per hour. This difference in pay can affect the availability and interest in part-time roles or per-diem positions, making it crucial for aspiring veterinarians or those considering a career shift to evaluate their options. For those working three days a week, or about 24 hours, the hourly pay translates into a comfortable income, but they may find themselves earning significantly less compared to full-timers. The hourly rates range from $29.51 for entry-level veterinarians to $78.88 for those at the top of their field in Northport. These estimates are derived from annual salary data and reflect the variations found across different work environments, whether in general practice exam rooms, surgical suites, or specialty referral hospital wards.
About the Northport Market
Salary estimated from Alabama average ($98,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Veterinarian Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $29.51 | $236.12 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $38.92 | $311.36 |
| Median (P50) | $50.89 | $407.12 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $63.52 | $508.12 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $78.88 | $631.08 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Northport
Based on $50.89/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $50.89/hr, a veterinarian working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Northport, AL can expect to earn approximately $105,852 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $61,069. With a cost-of-living index of 87.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Northport.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Northport
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,035.62 | $8,821 | $105,852 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,221.37 | $5,293 | $63,511 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $814.25 | $3,528 | $42,341 |
Compare DVM Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinarian (Northport) | $50.89 |
| Veterinary Technician (National Avg) | $19.39 |
| Physician (National Avg) | $113.07 |
| Dentist (National Avg) | $87.53 |
| Optometrist (National Avg) | $64.22 |
Veterinarians in Northport, AL earn a median of $105,860 per year (2026 est.), which is 22.92% lower than the national median of $137,334 and 2.40% below the Alabama state average of $108,463.
Veterinarian Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $50.89/hr = $63,511/year (purchasing power: $72,254).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $105,852/year (purchasing power: $120,423).
CoL index: 87.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$35.37/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$48.21/hr
2026 Current Est.
$50.89/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+51.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinarians in Northport (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.56% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $35.37/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $36.78/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $37.19/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $38.26/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $44.13/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $40.44/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $48.21/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50.89/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $53.72/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinarians in Northport grew 36.3% from $35.37/hr (2019) to $48.21/hr (2025). At a 5.56% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $53.72/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 Northport 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 Northport
The earning potential for part-time veterinarians in Northport should lead to careful financial planning, as those working 24 hours a week will see a substantial reduction in their annual earnings compared to a full-time schedule. Per diem veterinarians, often hired for immediate needs, can expect to command higher rates, typically billing $90-$140 per hour in general practice and even more in specialty settings, with rates reaching up to $250 per hour for niche practices such as surgery or emergency care. Distinct variations in hourly pay also depend on the type of employer, with corporate chains offering different compensation structures compared to independent practices. Moreover, some veterinarians might choose to accept lower hourly rates for the added benefits of health insurance, as opposed to holding out for the higher pay often associated with freelance or locum tenens work. As corporate consolidation reshapes the veterinary field in AL, those negotiating hourly pay should leverage their qualifications and expertise to secure fair terms, navigating both benefit options and wage expectations effectively.
More salary data for Northport, AL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinarians in Northport 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 Northport. 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 Northport 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