Veterinarian Hourly Pay in Turlock, CA: $79.29 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinarian working in Turlock, CA runs $79.29 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $164,909 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1131). Weighted against Turlock's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $70.10 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $98,949 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Turlock, California, veterinarians can expect a median hourly rate of $79.29, significantly above the national median of $66.03. This difference could be advantageous for part-time and per-diem workers who typically operate in various environments such as general practice exam rooms, surgical suites, and specialty referral hospitals. For those working just three days a week, the hourly rate opens opportunities to earn a competitive income while accommodating other commitments. The hourly pay range extends from $46.88 at the lower end to $122.89 for top earners, reflecting the diverse experiences and specialties within the profession. These estimates are derived from annual salary data, providing insight into what veterinarians can expect in Turlock’s evolving job market.
About the Turlock 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) | $46.88 | $375.03 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $62.67 | $501.37 |
| Median (P50) | $79.29 | $634.29 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $101.49 | $811.88 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $122.89 | $983.14 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Turlock
Based on $79.29/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $79.29/hr, a veterinarian working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Turlock, CA can expect to earn approximately $164,915 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $95,143. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Turlock.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Turlock
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,171.44 | $13,743 | $164,915 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,902.87 | $8,246 | $98,949 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,268.58 | $5,497 | $65,966 |
Compare DVM Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinarian (Turlock) | $79.29 |
| Veterinary Technician (National Avg) | $19.39 |
| Physician (National Avg) | $113.07 |
| Dentist (National Avg) | $87.53 |
| Optometrist (National Avg) | $64.22 |
Veterinarians in Turlock, CA earn a median of $164,909 per year (2026 est.), which is 20.08% higher than the national median of $137,334 and 2.20% below the California state average of $168,619.
Veterinarian Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $79.29/hr = $98,949/year (purchasing power: $87,488).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $164,915/year (purchasing power: $145,814).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$55.11/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$75.11/hr
2026 Current Est.
$79.29/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+51.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinarians in Turlock (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.56% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $55.11/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $57.30/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $57.95/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $59.61/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $68.76/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $82.95/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $75.11/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $79.29/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $83.69/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinarians in Turlock grew 36.3% from $55.11/hr (2019) to $75.11/hr (2025). At a 5.56% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $83.69/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 Turlock 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 Turlock
Examining part-time employment further reveals intriguing financial dynamics. A veterinarian working 24 hours a week, for instance, earns considerably less annually compared to their full-time counterparts; hence, understanding the per diem veterinarian pay in Turlock is crucial. Many relief and locum veterinarians can command rates between $90-$140 per hour at general practices, while specialty relief roles in surgery or emergency medicine may see hourly rates soar to $150-$250. Different employer types—such as corporate chains like VCA or independent practices—also influence variability in hourly rates. Benefits can be a significant trade-off; veterinarians choosing higher hourly rates may sacrifice crucial health insurance. Prospective employees can negotiate hourly wages effectively by researching the current market rates and demonstrating their specific skills and experience, realizing that the changing landscape of corporate consolidation in veterinary medicine may shift pay structures in the years to come.
More salary data for Turlock, 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 Turlock. 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 Turlock 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