Veterinarian Hourly Pay in Fullerton, CA: $83.29 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinarian working in Fullerton, CA runs $83.29 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $173,227 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1131). Weighted against Fullerton's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $73.64 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $103,942 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Fullerton, California, the median hourly pay for veterinarians stands at $83.29, significantly higher than the national hourly median of $66.03. This attractive pay rate offers numerous opportunities for part-time and per-diem work. A veterinarian working three days a week could effectively balance their professional and personal life while still earning a substantial income. The hourly pay range for veterinarians in Fullerton varies widely, from around $48.30 for entry-level positions to approximately $129.09 for experienced practitioners or those in specialized roles. These figures are derived from annual salary estimates, reflecting the competitive market for veterinary professionals within various settings, including private clinics, surgical suites, and university hospitals.
About the Fullerton 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) | $48.30 | $386.43 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $63.14 | $505.08 |
| Median (P50) | $83.29 | $666.29 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $106.61 | $852.84 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $129.09 | $1032.71 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Fullerton
Based on $83.29/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $83.29/hr, a veterinarian working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Fullerton, CA can expect to earn approximately $173,237 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $99,944. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Fullerton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Fullerton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,331.47 | $14,436 | $173,237 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,998.88 | $8,662 | $103,942 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,332.59 | $5,775 | $69,295 |
Compare DVM Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinarian (Fullerton) | $83.29 |
| Veterinary Technician (National Avg) | $19.39 |
| Physician (National Avg) | $113.07 |
| Dentist (National Avg) | $87.53 |
| Optometrist (National Avg) | $64.22 |
Veterinarians in Fullerton, CA earn a median of $173,227 per year (2026 est.), which is 26.14% higher than the national median of $137,334 and 2.70% above the California state average of $168,673.
Veterinarian Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $83.29/hr = $103,942/year (purchasing power: $91,903).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $173,237/year (purchasing power: $153,171).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$57.89/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$78.90/hr
2026 Current Est.
$83.29/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+51.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinarians in Fullerton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.56% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $57.89/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $60.19/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $60.87/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $62.62/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $72.23/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $87.14/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $78.90/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $83.29/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $87.92/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinarians in Fullerton grew 36.3% from $57.89/hr (2019) to $78.90/hr (2025). At a 5.56% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $87.92/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 Fullerton 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 Fullerton
Considering part-time roles, a veterinarian working just 24 hours a week may take home an appealing income, although full-time positions clearly offer more financial stability. Per-diem vet work, particularly at local general practices, commonly sees billing rates between $90 to $140 per hour but can surge higher in specialty practices, with rates reaching up to $250 for urgent care. The hourly rates can vary significantly based on the type of employer in Fullerton, where corporate veterinary chains may provide slightly lower hourly wages but often offer valuable benefits, unlike independent practices that may pay a premium but with fewer perks. For veterinarians considering agency work, the negotiation landscape can be favorable, especially with the ongoing corporate consolidation trend affecting pay scales. Familiarity with local agency rates and understanding the balance between benefits and hourly compensation is essential in this evolving field.
More salary data for Fullerton, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinarians in Fullerton in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinarians make in Fullerton?
Are veterinarians in Fullerton paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinarian make per year in Fullerton?
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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 Fullerton. 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 Fullerton 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