Veterinarian Hourly Pay in Fresno, CA: $79.91 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinarian working in Fresno, CA runs $79.91 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $166,215 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1131). Weighted against Fresno's regional price level (BEA RPP 102.2, 2% above national), each hour of work buys what $78.22 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $99,726 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Fresno, California, the veterinarian hourly pay stands at $79.91, significantly higher than the national median of $66.03. This competitive rate positions Fresno veterinarians favorably, especially for those working part-time or on a per-diem basis. For instance, a veterinarian working three days a week can expect to earn a comfortable income, even without full-time hours. The hourly pay range in the city varies widely, with entry-level positions starting around $35.84 and experienced practitioners earning as much as $125.12. Such figures reflect the diverse environments veterinarians operate in, from general practice exam rooms and surgical suites to specialty hospitals and ambulatory services—making this career an attractive option for those interested in flexible work arrangements.
Veterinarian Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $35.84 | $286.70 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $59.29 | $474.34 |
| Median (P50) | $79.91 | $639.27 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $93.32 | $746.52 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $125.12 | $1000.96 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Fresno
Based on $79.91/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $79.91/hr, a veterinarian working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Fresno, CA can expect to earn approximately $166,211 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $95,891. With a cost-of-living index of 102.16 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Fresno.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Fresno
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,196.36 | $13,851 | $166,211 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,917.81 | $8,311 | $99,726 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,278.54 | $5,540 | $66,484 |
Compare DVM Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinarian (Fresno) | $79.91 |
| Veterinary Technician (National Avg) | $19.39 |
| Physician (National Avg) | $113.07 |
| Dentist (National Avg) | $87.53 |
| Optometrist (National Avg) | $64.22 |
Veterinarians in Fresno, CA earn a median of $166,215 per year (2026 est.), which is 21.03% higher than the national median of $137,334 and 1.40% below the California state average of $168,575.
Veterinarian Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $79.91/hr = $99,726/year (purchasing power: $97,620).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $166,211/year (purchasing power: $162,699).
CoL index: 102.158 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$44.69/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$75.70/hr
2026 Current Est.
$79.91/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+88.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinarians in Fresno (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.56% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44.69/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $43.62/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $47.29/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $47.97/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $61.46/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $72.36/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $75.70/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $79.91/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $84.35/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinarians in Fresno grew 69.4% from $44.69/hr (2019) to $75.70/hr (2025). At a 5.56% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $84.35/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 Fresno 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 Fresno
Veterinarians looking to maximize their earnings in Fresno can benefit greatly from part-time arrangements. A veterinarian working just 24 hours per week could easily bring home a substantial income, albeit less than their full-time counterparts. For relief or locum veterinarians, the pay can be particularly lucrative, with general practices offering rates between $90 and $140 per hour. Specialty relief roles in surgery and emergency medicine often command rates upward of $150 to $250 per hour, making these positions highly sought after. However, the type of employer significantly influences hourly rates; corporate chains like VCA and BluePearl may offer different compensation compared to independent practices or equine clinics. While some veterinarians may prefer higher hourly rates without benefits, others might choose lower hourly compensation for the security of health insurance. Negotiating pay in this field requires an understanding of both the competitive structure and personal preferences, as veterinarians weigh the trade-offs between financial gain and work-life balance.
More salary data for Fresno, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Fresno. 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