Veterinarian Hourly Pay in Oakland, CA: $108.01 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinarian working in Oakland, CA runs $108.01 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $224,649 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1131). Weighted against Oakland's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $95.50 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $134,795 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Oakland, California, the projected veterinarian hourly pay for 2026 is $108.01, markedly higher than the national hourly median of $66.03. For those working part-time, such as in general practice exam rooms or specialty referral hospitals, this pay translates to significant earning potential, with part-time veterinarians operating three days a week earning substantial income relative to their hours worked. The hourly pay range varies from $62.64 at the entry level to $167.41 for top earners in the field, allowing for diverse earning opportunities across various settings, including university teaching hospitals and government inspection sites. As more veterinarians consider per-diem positions, understanding the implications of this hourly rate is essential given the importance of balancing work-life commitments against potential earnings.
About the Oakland 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) | $62.64 | $501.11 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $81.42 | $651.35 |
| Median (P50) | $108.01 | $864.07 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $138.24 | $1105.93 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $167.41 | $1339.26 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Oakland
Based on $108.01/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $108.01/hr, a veterinarian working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Oakland, CA can expect to earn approximately $224,659 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $129,611. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Oakland.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Oakland
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $4,320.36 | $18,722 | $224,659 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $2,592.22 | $11,233 | $134,795 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,728.14 | $7,489 | $89,863 |
Compare DVM Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinarian (Oakland) | $108.01 |
| Veterinary Technician (National Avg) | $19.39 |
| Physician (National Avg) | $113.07 |
| Dentist (National Avg) | $87.53 |
| Optometrist (National Avg) | $64.22 |
Veterinarians in Oakland, CA earn a median of $224,649 per year (2026 est.), which is 63.58% higher than the national median of $137,334 and 33.20% above the California state average of $168,655.
Veterinarian Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $108.01/hr = $134,795/year (purchasing power: $119,182).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $224,659/year (purchasing power: $198,637).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$75.08/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$102.32/hr
2026 Current Est.
$108.01/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+51.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinarians in Oakland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.56% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $75.08/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $78.06/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $78.94/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $81.21/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $93.67/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $91.09/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $102.32/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $108.01/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $114.01/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinarians in Oakland grew 36.3% from $75.08/hr (2019) to $102.32/hr (2025). At a 5.56% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $114.01/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 Oakland 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 Oakland
Considering the part-time veterinary landscape in Oakland, a veterinarian working 24 hours a week can expect to take home approximately $83,691 annually, while a full-time counterpart will see significantly larger annual earnings, often influenced by the employer's pay structure. For per-diem veterinarians, the hourly pay rates can fluctuate considerably; general practice relief veterinarians may bill between $90 and $140 per hour, while specialists like those in surgery or internal medicine might charge between $150 and $250 per hour, particularly for weekend emergency coverage. It's crucial to recognize that hourly rates vary across employers: corporate clinics like VCA or BluePearl typically follow standardized pay scales, while independent practices or specialty hospitals may aim for higher rates to attract skilled professionals. Nevertheless, some veterinarians opt for corporate positions despite lower hourly compensation in exchange for benefits such as health insurance. Negotiating effectively in Oakland requires an understanding of these dynamics, including the potential trade-offs between higher hourly wages and the security of a benefits package.
More salary data for Oakland, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinarians in Oakland in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinarians make in Oakland?
Are veterinarians in Oakland paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinarian make per year in Oakland?
Do veterinarians earn more per hour working part-time in Oakland?
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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 Oakland. 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 Oakland 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