Veterinarian Hourly Pay in San Leandro, CA: $79.69 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinarian working in San Leandro, CA runs $79.69 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $165,750 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1131). Weighted against San Leandro's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $70.46 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $99,450 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Veterinarians in San Leandro, California, can expect a median hourly rate of $79.69 for 2026, significantly higher than the national median of $66.03. This favorable hourly pay opens the door for various employment structures, including part-time roles at general practice exam rooms or unique settings such as specialty referral hospitals and equine practices. For those working part-time, such as three days a week, the potential for a lucrative income exists despite a reduced schedule. Additionally, hourly rates vary widely, ranging from approximately $47.76 for entry-level positions to $123.52 for top earners in the field, reflecting the diverse nature of veterinary practices and the varying skill levels across different environments.
About the San Leandro 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) | $47.76 | $382.04 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $63.47 | $507.79 |
| Median (P50) | $79.69 | $637.50 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $99.72 | $797.78 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $123.52 | $988.13 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in San Leandro
Based on $79.69/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $79.69/hr, a veterinarian working full-time (40 hr/wk) in San Leandro, CA can expect to earn approximately $165,749 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $95,625. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in San Leandro.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in San Leandro
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,187.49 | $13,812 | $165,749 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,912.49 | $8,287 | $99,450 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,275.00 | $5,525 | $66,300 |
Compare DVM Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinarian (San Leandro) | $79.69 |
| Veterinary Technician (National Avg) | $19.39 |
| Physician (National Avg) | $113.07 |
| Dentist (National Avg) | $87.53 |
| Optometrist (National Avg) | $64.22 |
Veterinarians in San Leandro, CA earn a median of $165,750 per year (2026 est.), which is 20.69% higher than the national median of $137,334 and 1.70% below the California state average of $168,617.
Veterinarian Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $79.69/hr = $99,450/year (purchasing power: $87,931).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $165,749/year (purchasing power: $146,551).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$55.39/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$75.49/hr
2026 Current Est.
$79.69/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+51.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinarians in San Leandro (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.56% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $55.39/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $57.59/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $58.24/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $59.92/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $69.11/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $83.38/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $75.49/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $79.69/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $84.12/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinarians in San Leandro grew 36.3% from $55.39/hr (2019) to $75.49/hr (2025). At a 5.56% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $84.12/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 San Leandro 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 San Leandro
Part-time veterinarians in San Leandro, working 24 hours a week, have a unique earning potential compared to their full-time counterparts. While a full-time vet earns a substantial salary, a part-time veterinarian still brings home a respectable income based on their hourly rate. Furthermore, per diem or relief veterinarians have become increasingly common, billing anywhere from $90 to $140 per hour in general practices, with specialty relief roles commanding even higher rates of $150 to $250 per hour. Different employer types contribute to these disparities; corporate chains like VCA and independent practices often pay differently, focusing on the trade-off between cash compensation and benefits such as health insurance. For those seeking negotiable positions, understanding the dynamics of hourly compensation and the specifics of employer offerings can provide a strategic advantage in San Leandro's competitive veterinary market.
More salary data for San Leandro, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinarians in San Leandro in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinarians make in San Leandro?
Are veterinarians in San Leandro paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinarian make per year in San Leandro?
Do veterinarians earn more per hour working part-time in San Leandro?
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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 San Leandro. 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 San Leandro 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