Veterinarian Hourly Pay in Glendale, CA: $81.57 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinarian working in Glendale, CA runs $81.57 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $169,657 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1131). Weighted against Glendale's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $72.12 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $101,795 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the veterinarian hourly pay in Glendale, CA is projected at $81.57, significantly above the national median hourly rate of $66.03. This attractive hourly rate creates favorable conditions not only for full-time practitioners but also for part-time and per-diem veterinarians working in various environments such as general practice exam rooms, specialty referral hospitals, and equine ambulatory services. Typically, a part-time veterinarian working three days a week, estimated at 24 hours total, can expect to earn a substantial amount without the full-time commitment. The hourly rates for entry-level veterinarians start at $48.10, while those at the top of the field can earn up to $126.43. These figures highlight the potential financial benefits for professionals in this sector while also illustrating the varied landscape of veterinarian hourly rates throughout the region.
About the Glendale 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) | $48.10 | $384.83 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $64.64 | $517.16 |
| Median (P50) | $81.57 | $652.53 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $104.41 | $835.28 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $126.43 | $1011.43 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Glendale
Based on $81.57/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $81.57/hr, a veterinarian working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Glendale, CA can expect to earn approximately $169,658 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $97,879. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Glendale.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Glendale
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,262.65 | $14,138 | $169,658 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,957.59 | $8,483 | $101,795 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,305.06 | $5,655 | $67,863 |
Compare DVM Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinarian (Glendale) | $81.57 |
| Veterinary Technician (National Avg) | $19.39 |
| Physician (National Avg) | $113.07 |
| Dentist (National Avg) | $87.53 |
| Optometrist (National Avg) | $64.22 |
Veterinarians in Glendale, CA earn a median of $169,657 per year (2026 est.), which is 23.54% higher than the national median of $137,334 and 0.60% above the California state average of $168,645.
Veterinarian Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $81.57/hr = $101,795/year (purchasing power: $90,004).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $169,658/year (purchasing power: $150,007).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$56.70/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$77.27/hr
2026 Current Est.
$81.57/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+51.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinarians in Glendale (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.56% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $56.70/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $58.95/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $59.61/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $61.33/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $70.74/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $85.34/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $77.27/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $81.57/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $86.10/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinarians in Glendale grew 36.3% from $56.70/hr (2019) to $77.27/hr (2025). At a 5.56% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $86.10/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 Glendale 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 Glendale
Considering the earning potential for part-time and per-diem veterinarians reveals compelling insights into the profession's economics in Glendale. A veterinarian working 24 hours per week could bring in a lucrative income, significantly contributing to their overall financial well-being, especially if they opt to work select shifts at multiple locations. Moreover, relief veterinarians commonly charge between $90 and $140 per hour in general practice settings, while specialty relief veterinarians can demand $150 to $250 per hour. The interplay between hourly rates and employer types complicates the choices veterinarians make. Large corporate chains often offer competitive rates but might provide less job flexibility compared to independent practices. While some veterinarians may sacrifice higher hourly compensation for benefits like health insurance, negotiating for favorable terms can enhance their financial standing over time. Understanding the local job market and the intricacies of compensation models can empower veterinarians in Glendale, whether they are considering part-time roles or per diem positions, to maximize their earning potential.
More salary data for Glendale, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinarians in Glendale in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinarians make in Glendale?
Are veterinarians in Glendale paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinarian make per year in Glendale?
Do veterinarians earn more per hour working part-time in Glendale?
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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 Glendale. 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 Glendale 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