Veterinarian Hourly Pay in Tulare, CA: $81.91 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinarian working in Tulare, CA runs $81.91 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $170,372 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1131). Weighted against Tulare's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $72.43 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $102,229 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
The veterinarian hourly pay in Tulare, California, is projected to reach a median of $81.91 by 2026, significantly higher than the national median of $66.03. This competitive hourly rate is appealing for both full-time veterinarians and those opting for part-time positions, such as those working three days a week. For example, part-time veterinarians can expect to earn approximately $39,308 annually based on a standard 24-hour work week, making it a viable option for professionals seeking flexibility. For per-diem opportunities, veterinarians can expect varying pay across settings, from general practice exam rooms to specialty referral hospitals, with entry-level professionals making around $47.51 an hour and top earners reaching hourly rates as high as $126.96, showcasing the potential financial rewards in different veterinary contexts.
About the Tulare 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) | $47.51 | $380.10 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $63.05 | $504.41 |
| Median (P50) | $81.91 | $655.32 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $103.43 | $827.42 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $126.96 | $1015.66 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Tulare
Based on $81.91/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $81.91/hr, a veterinarian working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Tulare, CA can expect to earn approximately $170,382 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $98,297. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Tulare.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Tulare
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,276.58 | $14,199 | $170,382 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,965.95 | $8,519 | $102,229 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,310.63 | $5,679 | $68,153 |
Compare DVM Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinarian (Tulare) | $81.91 |
| Veterinary Technician (National Avg) | $19.39 |
| Physician (National Avg) | $113.07 |
| Dentist (National Avg) | $87.53 |
| Optometrist (National Avg) | $64.22 |
Veterinarians in Tulare, CA earn a median of $170,372 per year (2026 est.), which is 24.06% higher than the national median of $137,334 and 1.00% above the California state average of $168,685.
Veterinarian Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $81.91/hr = $102,229/year (purchasing power: $90,388).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $170,382/year (purchasing power: $150,647).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$56.94/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$77.60/hr
2026 Current Est.
$81.91/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+51.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinarians in Tulare (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.56% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $56.94/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $59.20/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $59.87/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $61.59/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $71.04/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $85.70/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $77.60/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $81.91/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $86.47/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinarians in Tulare grew 36.3% from $56.94/hr (2019) to $77.60/hr (2025). At a 5.56% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $86.47/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 Tulare 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 Tulare
Evaluating the earning potential for part-time and per-diem veterinarians in Tulare reveals considerable variations in income based on position type and employer. A veterinarian working in a small animal clinic may earn less than their counterparts in specialty or emergency practices. While full-time roles provide stability and benefits, some veterinarians find negotiating for higher hourly wages without benefits advantageous, especially among corporate veterinary chains or independent practices. It’s worth noting that relief veterinarians often command hourly rates between $90 and $140 at general clinics, with specialty relief attracting even higher hourly pay of $150-$250. Negotiation strategies can also vary; understanding the regional demand and corporate consolidation trends affecting pay scales, especially in practices under corporate ownership, can empower veterinarians to secure competitive per diem veterinarian pay in Tulare while navigating their career paths.
More salary data for Tulare, 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 Tulare. 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 Tulare 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