Veterinarian Hourly Pay in Murrieta, CA: $80.90 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinarian working in Murrieta, CA runs $80.90 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $168,282 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1131). Weighted against Murrieta's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $71.53 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $100,965 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Murrieta, California, the veterinarian hourly pay is projected to be $80.90 in 2026, notably higher than the national median of $66.03 per hour. This hourly rate positions veterinarians in the region well, particularly for those working part-time or on a per-diem basis, as they can earn a solid income while managing flexible schedules. For instance, a veterinarian working three days a week would find this rate beneficial, especially considering the range of working environments in Murrieta—ranging from general practice exam rooms to specialty referral hospitals. The hourly pay varies widely within the field, as those starting out can expect around $47.02 per hour, while experienced veterinarians or those in high-demand specialties may earn up to $125.41 per hour.
About the Murrieta 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) | $47.02 | $376.13 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $63.35 | $506.77 |
| Median (P50) | $80.90 | $647.21 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $103.55 | $828.43 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $125.41 | $1003.24 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Murrieta
Based on $80.90/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $80.90/hr, a veterinarian working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Murrieta, CA can expect to earn approximately $168,274 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $97,081. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Murrieta.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Murrieta
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,236.05 | $14,023 | $168,274 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,941.63 | $8,414 | $100,965 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,294.42 | $5,609 | $67,310 |
Compare DVM Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinarian (Murrieta) | $80.90 |
| Veterinary Technician (National Avg) | $19.39 |
| Physician (National Avg) | $113.07 |
| Dentist (National Avg) | $87.53 |
| Optometrist (National Avg) | $64.22 |
Veterinarians in Murrieta, CA earn a median of $168,282 per year (2026 est.), which is 22.53% higher than the national median of $137,334 and 0.20% below the California state average of $168,619.
Veterinarian Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $80.90/hr = $100,965/year (purchasing power: $89,270).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $168,274/year (purchasing power: $148,784).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$56.23/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$76.64/hr
2026 Current Est.
$80.90/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+51.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinarians in Murrieta (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.56% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $56.23/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $58.47/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $59.13/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $60.83/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $70.16/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $84.65/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $76.64/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $80.90/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $85.40/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinarians in Murrieta grew 36.3% from $56.23/hr (2019) to $76.64/hr (2025). At a 5.56% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $85.40/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 Murrieta 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 Murrieta
When evaluating earnings in the veterinary profession, the potential for part-time veterinarians can be lucrative. A veterinarian working 24 hours a week could take home a substantial income annually, especially when considering agency or locum positions where per diem veterinarian pay in Murrieta can rise to between $90 and $140 per hour at standard practices, with specialty relief roles commanding even higher rates, often ranging from $150 to $250 per hour. It’s essential to consider the type of employer as well; veterinarians in larger corporate settings may see more stability but could trade higher hourly wages for additional benefits like health insurance. Negotiating these aspects becomes crucial for practitioners in Murrieta, who must evaluate their priorities—whether they seek higher pay without benefits or a more stable income with traditional perks.
More salary data for Murrieta, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinarians in Murrieta in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinarians make in Murrieta?
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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 Murrieta. 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 Murrieta 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