Veterinarian Hourly Pay in Rialto, CA: $82.57 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinarian working in Rialto, CA runs $82.57 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $171,742 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1131). Weighted against Rialto's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $73.01 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $103,046 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Rialto, California, the projected veterinarian hourly pay is estimated at $82.57, significantly higher than the national hourly median of $66.03. For veterinarians working part-time, such as those in general practice or specialty clinics, this hourly rate translates into competitive earnings while maintaining a balanced schedule. A typical part-time veterinarian working three days a week, for instance, could bring home a substantial income, especially when accounting for per-diem roles or flexible opportunities. The range of pay varies widely, with entry-level positions starting around $47.89, while highly experienced veterinarians can command up to $127.98 per hour. This dynamic pay scale reflects the varied settings veterinarians may work in, from surgical suites to university clinics and mobile equine practices.
About the Rialto 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) | $47.89 | $383.14 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $61.73 | $493.85 |
| Median (P50) | $82.57 | $660.55 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $105.69 | $845.49 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $127.98 | $1023.85 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Rialto
Based on $82.57/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $82.57/hr, a veterinarian working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Rialto, CA can expect to earn approximately $171,744 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $99,083. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Rialto.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Rialto
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,302.76 | $14,312 | $171,744 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,981.66 | $8,587 | $103,046 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,321.10 | $5,725 | $68,697 |
Compare DVM Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinarian (Rialto) | $82.57 |
| Veterinary Technician (National Avg) | $19.39 |
| Physician (National Avg) | $113.07 |
| Dentist (National Avg) | $87.53 |
| Optometrist (National Avg) | $64.22 |
Veterinarians in Rialto, CA earn a median of $171,742 per year (2026 est.), which is 25.05% higher than the national median of $137,334 and 1.80% above the California state average of $168,705.
Veterinarian Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $82.57/hr = $103,046/year (purchasing power: $91,111).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $171,744/year (purchasing power: $151,851).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$57.39/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$78.22/hr
2026 Current Est.
$82.57/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+51.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinarians in Rialto (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.56% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $57.39/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $59.67/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $60.35/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $62.08/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $71.61/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $86.39/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $78.22/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $82.57/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $87.16/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinarians in Rialto grew 36.3% from $57.39/hr (2019) to $78.22/hr (2025). At a 5.56% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $87.16/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 Rialto 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 Rialto
Looking at the financial landscape for veterinarians in Rialto, there are several factors influencing overall earnings. A part-time vet working 24 hours weekly could see a significant difference compared to a full-time workload, which may lead to a less lucrative income on an annual basis. However, per diem veterinarian pay in Rialto can be appealing, with relief veterinarians sometimes billing $90 to $140 per hour at general practices, and specialized relief work commanding even higher rates. Employment differences also come into play; for instance, large animal and mixed practices might offer different hourly rates compared to corporate environments like VCA or specialty referral hospitals. Some veterinarians may choose positions with lower hourly wages for benefits like health insurance, while others prefer higher hourly wages without the safety net. Negotiating these terms can be key in Rialto, where a clear understanding of market dynamics can help professionals secure compensation that reflects their skills and contribution to the field.
More salary data for Rialto, 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 Rialto. 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 Rialto 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