Veterinarian Hourly Pay in Hartford, CT: $63.82 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinarian working in Hartford, CT runs $63.82 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $132,742 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1131). Weighted against Hartford's regional price level (BEA RPP 102.7, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $62.12 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $79,649 per year.
Official BLS data · View source

In Hartford, Connecticut, the veterinarian hourly pay reflects a competitive median of $63.82, slightly lower than the national hourly median of $66.03. This rate is indicative of the financial prospects for both full-time veterinarians and those seeking part-time or per-diem positions, such as those working in general practices, specialty hospitals, and various clinic settings. For part-time veterinarians, who may work three days a week, the hourly rate provides a flexible earning model, allowing for a healthy income while balancing personal commitments. Entry-level positions can expect to start at around $28.41 hourly, while experienced professionals can reach rates as high as $108.92. This statistical data provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) is indicative of how veterinary medicine in Hartford is doing, especially in an evolving landscape influenced by corporate trends and regional demand.
Veterinarian Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $28.41 | $227.25 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $52.86 | $422.92 |
| Median (P50) | $63.82 | $510.57 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $84.07 | $672.54 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $108.92 | $871.33 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Hartford
Based on $63.82/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $63.82/hr, a veterinarian working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Hartford, CT can expect to earn approximately $132,749 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $76,586. With a cost-of-living index of 102.75 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Hartford.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Hartford
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,552.86 | $11,062 | $132,749 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,531.72 | $6,637 | $79,649 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,021.15 | $4,425 | $53,100 |
Compare DVM Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinarian (Hartford) | $63.82 |
| Veterinary Technician (National Avg) | $19.39 |
| Physician (National Avg) | $113.07 |
| Dentist (National Avg) | $87.53 |
| Optometrist (National Avg) | $64.22 |
Veterinarians in Hartford, CT earn a median of $132,742 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.34% lower than the national median of $137,334 and 1.40% below the Connecticut state average of $134,626.
Veterinarian Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $63.82/hr = $79,649/year (purchasing power: $77,521).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $132,749/year (purchasing power: $129,201).
CoL index: 102.746 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$50.86/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$60.46/hr
2026 Current Est.
$63.82/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+32.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinarians in Hartford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.56% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $50.86/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $49.48/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $58.20/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $61.85/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $59.67/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $63.21/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $60.46/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $63.82/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67.37/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinarians in Hartford grew 18.9% from $50.86/hr (2019) to $60.46/hr (2025). At a 5.56% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $67.37/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 Hartford 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 Hartford
When considering the potential for earning, part-time veterinarians in Hartford working 24 hours a week could take home a substantial amount annually, although it would still fall short of full-time salaries. The per diem veterinarian pay in Hartford varies significantly; relief veterinarians often charge between $90 and $140 per hour in general practices, with specialty roles commanding even higher rates—$150 to $250 per hour for surgical or urgent care services. Different employer types in the Hartford area can impact hourly pay as well. For instance, veterinarians in corporate chains may have slightly different compensation structures compared to independent clinics, and those in specialty hospitals could earn 2-3 times more than in general practices. As the field becomes more competitive, many veterinarians weigh higher hourly wages against benefits like health insurance when negotiating their contracts. Understanding these nuances is vital for veterinary professionals looking to optimize their career choices and earnings in CT.
More salary data for Hartford, CT:
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 Hartford. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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