Veterinarian Hourly Pay in Lompoc, CA: $80.23 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinarian working in Lompoc, CA runs $80.23 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $166,878 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1131). Weighted against Lompoc's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $70.93 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $100,122 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Lompoc, California, the veterinarian hourly pay is projected to be $80.23 in 2026, significantly surpassing the national hourly median of $66.03. This higher rate provides a considerable advantage for part-time and per-diem veterinarians working in various settings, such as general practice exam rooms, surgical suites, and specialty referral hospitals. For those opting for a standard 24-hour workweek, which typically comes out to three days, the hourly rate ensures a competitive income even without full-time commitments. Entry-level veterinarians may earn around $46.66 per hour, while experienced veterinarians can make upwards of $124.36, demonstrating a healthy wage spectrum within this profession in Lompoc.
About the Lompoc 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) | $46.66 | $373.26 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $62.67 | $501.37 |
| Median (P50) | $80.23 | $641.80 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $99.81 | $798.46 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $124.36 | $994.88 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lompoc
Based on $80.23/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $80.23/hr, a veterinarian working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lompoc, CA can expect to earn approximately $166,869 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $96,271. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Lompoc.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lompoc
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,209.02 | $13,906 | $166,869 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,925.41 | $8,343 | $100,122 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,283.61 | $5,562 | $66,748 |
Compare DVM Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinarian (Lompoc) | $80.23 |
| Veterinary Technician (National Avg) | $19.39 |
| Physician (National Avg) | $113.07 |
| Dentist (National Avg) | $87.53 |
| Optometrist (National Avg) | $64.22 |
Veterinarians in Lompoc, CA earn a median of $166,878 per year (2026 est.), which is 21.51% higher than the national median of $137,334 and 1.00% below the California state average of $168,563.
Veterinarian Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $80.23/hr = $100,122/year (purchasing power: $88,525).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $166,869/year (purchasing power: $147,541).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$55.76/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$76.00/hr
2026 Current Est.
$80.23/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+51.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinarians in Lompoc (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.56% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $55.76/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $57.98/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $58.63/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $60.32/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $69.57/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $83.94/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $76.00/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $80.23/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $84.69/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinarians in Lompoc grew 36.3% from $55.76/hr (2019) to $76.00/hr (2025). At a 5.56% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $84.69/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 Lompoc 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 Lompoc
The financial dynamics for veterinarians in Lompoc reveal interesting insights, particularly regarding part-time pros and locum tenens arrangements. A veterinarian working part-time may take home approximately $61,298 annually, significantly less than the full-time equivalent, but still allows for a decent living, especially within a community like Lompoc. For relief veterinarians, per diem rates can range from $90 to $140 per hour at general practices, and specialty relief positions may command between $150 and $250 per hour. This variability reflects not only the skill set and expertise of the veterinarian but also the type of practice. Independent clinics might offer lower hourly rates compared to corporate chains that dominate about 25% of the market, yet they may provide health insurance and other benefits that can make lower hourly compensation more attractive. Thus, practitioners must consider both immediate earnings and long-term benefits when negotiating their pay.
More salary data for Lompoc, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinarians in Lompoc in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinarians make in Lompoc?
Are veterinarians in Lompoc paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinarian make per year in Lompoc?
Do veterinarians earn more per hour working part-time in Lompoc?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in California
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 Lompoc. 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 Lompoc 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