Veterinarian Hourly Pay in Torrance, CA: $82.46 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinarian working in Torrance, CA runs $82.46 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $171,524 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1131). Weighted against Torrance's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $72.91 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $102,914 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Torrance, California, the veterinarian hourly pay stands at a median of $82.46, significantly above the national median of $66.03. This elevated rate reflects the city's demand for veterinary services, where professionals can thrive in various environments such as surgical suites, general practice clinics, specialty hospitals, or even equine ambulatory practices. For veterinarians interested in part-time or per-diem work, this hourly rate translates to a viable income; for example, working just three days a week can yield a substantial income while still allowing for flexibility. The hourly compensation spans a range from $47.83 for entry-level positions to as much as $127.82 for top earners, indicating a potential for considerable earnings based on experience and specialization.
About the Torrance 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) | $47.83 | $382.63 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $61.53 | $492.25 |
| Median (P50) | $82.46 | $659.71 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $105.55 | $844.40 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $127.82 | $1022.58 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Torrance
Based on $82.46/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $82.46/hr, a veterinarian working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Torrance, CA can expect to earn approximately $171,524 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $98,956. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Torrance.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Torrance
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,298.54 | $14,294 | $171,524 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,979.12 | $8,576 | $102,914 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,319.42 | $5,717 | $68,610 |
Compare DVM Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinarian (Torrance) | $82.46 |
| Veterinary Technician (National Avg) | $19.39 |
| Physician (National Avg) | $113.07 |
| Dentist (National Avg) | $87.53 |
| Optometrist (National Avg) | $64.22 |
Veterinarians in Torrance, CA earn a median of $171,524 per year (2026 est.), which is 24.90% higher than the national median of $137,334 and 1.70% above the California state average of $168,657.
Veterinarian Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $82.46/hr = $102,914/year (purchasing power: $90,994).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $171,524/year (purchasing power: $151,657).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$57.32/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$78.12/hr
2026 Current Est.
$82.46/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+51.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinarians in Torrance (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.56% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $57.32/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $59.60/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $60.27/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $62.00/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $71.51/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $86.28/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $78.12/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $82.46/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $87.05/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinarians in Torrance grew 36.3% from $57.32/hr (2019) to $78.12/hr (2025). At a 5.56% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $87.05/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 Torrance 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 Torrance
When considering a part-time veterinarian's earnings in Torrance, a 24-hour work week could yield an attractive income that is quite competitive compared to full-time salaries. Per diem veterinarian pay in Torrance tends to vary widely, with general practices often offering $90-$140 per hour for relief veterinarians, while specialty care roles, including surgery or internal medicine, may command $150-$250 per hour. Additionally, clinics often pay premium rates for weekend emergency coverage, with some hospitals offering between $150-$200 per hour. Hourly rates can differ significantly based on the employer type; corporate chains might provide steadier incomes but less flexibility compared to independent practices, while specialty hospitals and university clinics might offer higher pay for those with advanced qualifications. It’s essential for veterinarians to weigh the benefits of stable employment versus higher per diem pay, which often lacks health insurance and consistent hours. Effective negotiation skills become crucial in this market, where understanding the compensation structures of different employers is key to maximizing earnings.
More salary data for Torrance, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinarians in Torrance in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinarians make in Torrance?
Are veterinarians in Torrance paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinarian make per year in Torrance?
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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 Torrance. 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 Torrance 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