Veterinarian Hourly Pay in Vista, CA: $83.14 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinarian working in Vista, CA runs $83.14 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $172,927 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1131). Weighted against Vista's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $73.51 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $103,758 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Vista, CA, the veterinarian hourly pay is projected to be $83.14 for 2026, significantly higher than the national average of $66.03. This competitive rate facilitates attractive opportunities for part-time veterinarians working three days a week, as well as per-diem roles. These positions typically exist in various settings including general practices, specialty referral hospitals, and equine mobile units. Entry-level veterinarians may start at approximately $48.22 per hour, while those at the pinnacle of their careers can earn as much as $128.87 per hour. These figures reflect a departure from traditional compensation structures, especially in light of corporate consolidation trends in the veterinary industry, which have led to varied hourly rates based on the practice type.
About the Vista 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) | $48.22 | $385.76 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $62.85 | $502.80 |
| Median (P50) | $83.14 | $665.11 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $106.42 | $851.32 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $128.87 | $1030.94 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Vista
Based on $83.14/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $83.14/hr, a veterinarian working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Vista, CA can expect to earn approximately $172,929 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $99,767. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Vista.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Vista
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,325.56 | $14,411 | $172,929 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,995.34 | $8,646 | $103,758 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,330.22 | $5,764 | $69,172 |
Compare DVM Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinarian (Vista) | $83.14 |
| Veterinary Technician (National Avg) | $19.39 |
| Physician (National Avg) | $113.07 |
| Dentist (National Avg) | $87.53 |
| Optometrist (National Avg) | $64.22 |
Veterinarians in Vista, CA earn a median of $172,927 per year (2026 est.), which is 25.92% higher than the national median of $137,334 and 2.50% above the California state average of $168,710.
Veterinarian Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $83.14/hr = $103,758/year (purchasing power: $91,740).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $172,929/year (purchasing power: $152,899).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$57.79/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$78.76/hr
2026 Current Est.
$83.14/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+51.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinarians in Vista (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.56% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $57.79/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $60.08/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $60.76/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $62.51/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $72.10/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $86.99/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $78.76/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $83.14/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $87.76/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinarians in Vista grew 36.3% from $57.79/hr (2019) to $78.76/hr (2025). At a 5.56% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $87.76/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 Vista 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 Vista
The earning potential for part-time veterinarians in Vista can be quite substantial; for instance, working 24 hours a week would yield an annual income significantly higher than what many professions offer. Per diem veterinarian pay can also vary widely, with relief veterinarians in general practices billing between $90 and $140 per hour, while specialty roles can command even higher rates, ranging from $150 to $250 per hour based on expertise and demand. Hourly compensation rates fluctuate according to the type of employer—a small animal clinic may offer lower wages, while specialty hospitals and research roles present more lucrative opportunities. Additionally, a trade-off exists between higher pay rates sans benefits and lower, yet more stable, rates that come with health insurance. Therefore, when negotiating, it's strategic for veterinarians to consider the full package, including benefits and work-life balance, essential for a sustainable career in this evolving field.
More salary data for Vista, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinarians in Vista in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinarians make in Vista?
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Related Pages
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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 Vista. 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 Vista 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