Veterinarian Hourly Pay in Antioch, CA: $80.08 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinarian working in Antioch, CA runs $80.08 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $166,564 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1131). Weighted against Antioch's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $70.80 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $99,937 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Antioch, California, the projected median hourly pay for veterinarians in 2026 is set at $80.08, substantially exceeding the national median of $66.03. This competitive hourly rate allows veterinary professionals to thrive in various settings, whether they’re working part-time three days a week or taking on per-diem roles across general practice exam rooms, surgical suites, or specialty referral hospitals. For those in entry-level positions, hourly wages start at around $46.45, while more experienced veterinarians can earn up to $124.12, providing a broad spectrum that reflects both expertise and demand in the area.
About the Antioch Market
Salary estimated from California average ($156,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Veterinarian Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $46.45 | $371.57 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $61.74 | $493.94 |
| Median (P50) | $80.08 | $640.62 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $102.50 | $819.99 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $124.12 | $992.94 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Antioch
Based on $80.08/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $80.08/hr, a veterinarian working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Antioch, CA can expect to earn approximately $166,562 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $96,093. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Antioch.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Antioch
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,203.11 | $13,880 | $166,562 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,921.87 | $8,328 | $99,937 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,281.25 | $5,552 | $66,625 |
Compare DVM Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinarian (Antioch) | $80.08 |
| Veterinary Technician (National Avg) | $19.39 |
| Physician (National Avg) | $113.07 |
| Dentist (National Avg) | $87.53 |
| Optometrist (National Avg) | $64.22 |
Veterinarians in Antioch, CA earn a median of $166,564 per year (2026 est.), which is 21.28% higher than the national median of $137,334 and 1.20% below the California state average of $168,587.
Veterinarian Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $80.08/hr = $99,937/year (purchasing power: $88,362).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $166,562/year (purchasing power: $147,270).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$55.66/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$75.86/hr
2026 Current Est.
$80.08/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+51.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinarians in Antioch (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.56% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $55.66/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $57.87/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $58.52/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $60.21/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $69.45/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $83.79/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $75.86/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $80.08/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $84.53/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinarians in Antioch grew 36.3% from $55.66/hr (2019) to $75.86/hr (2025). At a 5.56% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $84.53/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 Antioch 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 Antioch
Analyzing the potential earnings for part-time veterinarians reveals nuanced insights into remuneration. A veterinarian working 24 hours a week could net approximately $99,416 annually, compared to a full-time counterpart's pay, highlighting the viability of a reduced schedule here in Antioch. The per-diem market also presents lucrative opportunities; relief veterinarians often bill $90-$140/hr in general practices, while specialty roles command even higher rates — ranging from $150 to $250/hr. Hourly compensation varies by employer type, with corporate entities like VCA and BluePearl typically offering stable, yet potentially lower rates compared to independent practices or specialized facilities. Some veterinarians accept reduced hourly rates for the security of benefits, while others negotiate for higher pay without benefits. When considering job offers, vets should weigh these factors carefully and be prepared to discuss their hourly worth in relation to the industry standards in Antioch, CA.
More salary data for Antioch, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinarians in Antioch in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinarians make in Antioch?
Are veterinarians in Antioch paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinarian make per year in Antioch?
Do veterinarians earn more per hour working part-time in Antioch?
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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 Antioch. 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 Antioch 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