Veterinarian Hourly Pay in Napa, CA: $87.59 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinarian working in Napa, CA runs $87.59 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $182,197 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1131). Weighted against Napa's regional price level (BEA RPP 112.6, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $77.82 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $109,317 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Napa, California, the veterinarian hourly pay is projected to be $87.59 in 2026, significantly outpacing the national median of $66.03. This higher rate is particularly favorable for part-time and per-diem veterinarians who typically work in diverse settings, including general practice exam rooms, surgical suites, and specialty referral hospitals. With an hourly range from $37.78 for entry-level positions to $136.04 for top earners, practitioners can find viable options based on their experience and professional environment. The competitive pay structure reflects Napa’s growing demand for veterinary services, making it an attractive location for those considering flexible work arrangements, whether full-time, part-time, or per diem.
Veterinarian Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37.78 | $302.24 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $65.67 | $525.35 |
| Median (P50) | $87.59 | $700.75 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $103.88 | $831.05 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $136.04 | $1088.28 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Napa
Based on $87.59/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $87.59/hr, a veterinarian working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Napa, CA can expect to earn approximately $182,195 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $105,112. With a cost-of-living index of 112.55 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Napa.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Napa
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,503.75 | $15,183 | $182,195 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $2,102.25 | $9,110 | $109,317 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,401.50 | $6,073 | $72,878 |
Compare DVM Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinarian (Napa) | $87.59 |
| Veterinary Technician (National Avg) | $19.39 |
| Physician (National Avg) | $113.07 |
| Dentist (National Avg) | $87.53 |
| Optometrist (National Avg) | $64.22 |
Veterinarians in Napa, CA earn a median of $182,197 per year (2026 est.), which is 32.67% higher than the national median of $137,334 and 8.00% above the California state average of $168,701.
Veterinarian Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $87.59/hr = $109,317/year (purchasing power: $97,124).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $182,195/year (purchasing power: $161,873).
CoL index: 112.554 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$48.04/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$82.98/hr
2026 Current Est.
$87.59/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+92.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinarians in Napa (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.56% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $48.04/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $63.30/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $64.02/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $65.86/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $75.96/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $86.10/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $82.98/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $87.59/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $92.46/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinarians in Napa grew 72.7% from $48.04/hr (2019) to $82.98/hr (2025). At a 5.56% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $92.46/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 Napa 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 Napa
For veterinarians working part-time—say, three days a week totaling around 24 hours—the annual take-home can vary significantly compared to full-time professionals. After deducting for taxes and expenses, part-time vets might see an annual income well below that of their full-time counterparts; nonetheless, this flexibility can be appealing. Moreover, relief and locum veterinarians often command rates between $90–$140 per hour at general practices, while those in specialty fields can earn between $150–$250 per hour. The variety of employer types in Napa—from corporate chains like VCA and BluePearl to independent practices—leads to hourly rates differing widely. Some veterinarians may opt for lower hourly wages in exchange for benefits like health insurance, while others might prioritize higher pay in positions lacking such benefits. For those negotiating their hourly pay in Napa, emphasizing unique skills, specialized training, or experience can enhance compensation opportunities, especially given the region's competitive market amidst ongoing corporate consolidation trends.
More salary data for Napa, 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 Napa. 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, 3-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