Veterinarian Hourly Pay in Citrus Heights, CA: $80.72 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinarian working in Citrus Heights, CA runs $80.72 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $167,901 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1131). Weighted against Citrus Heights's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $71.37 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $100,741 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Citrus Heights, veterinarians command a median hourly rate of $80.72, significantly surpassing the national figure of $66.03. This competitive pay structure benefits various work arrangements, including part-time and per-diem opportunities, ideal for those who might prefer flexibility over a traditional full-time schedule. For instance, a veterinarian working three days per week could thrive in settings such as general practice exam rooms or surgical suites, with typical hourly rates ranging from $46.82 for entry-level positions to $125.12 for top earners within the region. This hourly pay reflects the evolving dynamics in veterinary medicine, shaped by corporate structures and market demand, leading to more tailored compensation packages in a range of facilities, from specialty referral hospitals to university teaching clinics and USDA inspection sites.
About the Citrus Heights 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) | $46.82 | $374.53 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $60.70 | $485.58 |
| Median (P50) | $80.72 | $645.77 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $102.20 | $817.63 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $125.12 | $1000.96 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Citrus Heights
Based on $80.72/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $80.72/hr, a veterinarian working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Citrus Heights, CA can expect to earn approximately $167,901 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $96,866. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Citrus Heights.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Citrus Heights
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,228.87 | $13,992 | $167,901 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,937.32 | $8,395 | $100,741 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,291.55 | $5,597 | $67,160 |
Compare DVM Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinarian (Citrus Heights) | $80.72 |
| Veterinary Technician (National Avg) | $19.39 |
| Physician (National Avg) | $113.07 |
| Dentist (National Avg) | $87.53 |
| Optometrist (National Avg) | $64.22 |
Veterinarians in Citrus Heights, CA earn a median of $167,901 per year (2026 est.), which is 22.26% higher than the national median of $137,334 and 0.40% below the California state average of $168,575.
Veterinarian Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $80.72/hr = $100,741/year (purchasing power: $89,072).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $167,901/year (purchasing power: $148,454).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$56.11/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$76.47/hr
2026 Current Est.
$80.72/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+51.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinarians in Citrus Heights (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.56% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $56.11/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $58.34/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $59.00/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $60.69/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $70.00/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $84.46/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $76.47/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $80.72/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $85.21/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinarians in Citrus Heights grew 36.3% from $56.11/hr (2019) to $76.47/hr (2025). At a 5.56% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $85.21/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 Citrus Heights 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 Citrus Heights
When considering earning potential, part-time veterinarians operating on a three-day workweek (24 hours) would need to calculate their overall annual income against their full-time counterparts. In Citrus Heights, relief and locum veterinarians often charge between $90 and $140 per hour at general practices, while those specializing in surgery or internal medicine may command rates as high as $250 per hour. Added to this, weekend emergency coverage has become a lucrative segment, often ranging from $150 to $200 per hour. However, the type of employer can heavily influence these rates, with corporate chains typically offering lower hourly pay but additional benefits. For those negotiating their pay, understanding the local market and considering the value of health benefits, retirement plans, and work-life balance against hourly earnings can inform their decision-making process and lead to more favorable outcomes in their agreements.
More salary data for Citrus Heights, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinarians in Citrus Heights in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinarians make in Citrus Heights?
Are veterinarians in Citrus Heights paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinarian make per year in Citrus Heights?
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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 Citrus Heights. 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 Citrus Heights 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