Veterinarian Hourly Pay in Manchester, CT: $65.29 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinarian working in Manchester, CT runs $65.29 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $135,806 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1131). Weighted against Manchester's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.9, 8% above national), each hour of work buys what $60.51 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $81,480 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Manchester, Connecticut, veterinarians are projected to earn a median hourly rate of $65.29 in 2026, which is slightly below the national median of $66.03. This hourly pay reflects the competitive market for veterinary professionals, as practitioners operate in diverse settings such as general practice exam rooms, surgical suites, specialty hospitals, and even university teaching clinics. For part-time veterinarians working three days a week, this hourly rate can translate into significant earnings, depending on the hours worked each week. Entry-level veterinarians might earn as low as $37.86 per hour, while those at the top of their field can command rates up to $101.20 per hour, showcasing a substantial range that reflects experience and specialty.
About the Manchester Market
Salary estimated from Connecticut average ($138,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Veterinarian Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37.86 | $302.91 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50.11 | $400.87 |
| Median (P50) | $65.29 | $522.31 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $83.57 | $668.57 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $101.20 | $809.60 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Manchester
Based on $65.29/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $65.29/hr, a veterinarian working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Manchester, CT can expect to earn approximately $135,801 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $78,347. With a cost-of-living index of 107.90 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Manchester.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Manchester
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,611.55 | $11,317 | $135,801 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,566.93 | $6,790 | $81,480 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,044.62 | $4,527 | $54,320 |
Compare DVM Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinarian (Manchester) | $65.29 |
| Veterinary Technician (National Avg) | $19.39 |
| Physician (National Avg) | $113.07 |
| Dentist (National Avg) | $87.53 |
| Optometrist (National Avg) | $64.22 |
Veterinarians in Manchester, CT earn a median of $135,806 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.11% lower than the national median of $137,334 and 0.80% above the Connecticut state average of $134,728.
Veterinarian Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $65.29/hr = $81,480/year (purchasing power: $75,515).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $135,801/year (purchasing power: $125,858).
CoL index: 107.9 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$45.38/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$61.85/hr
2026 Current Est.
$65.29/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+51.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinarians in Manchester (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.56% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45.38/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $47.18/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $47.72/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $49.09/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $56.62/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $72.20/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $61.85/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65.29/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $68.92/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinarians in Manchester grew 36.3% from $45.38/hr (2019) to $61.85/hr (2025). At a 5.56% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $68.92/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 Manchester 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 Manchester
Part-time veterinarians, specifically those working just three days a week, can expect to see a substantial difference in earnings compared to their full-time counterparts. While a full-time veterinarian might reach an annual income that exceeds $135,806, part-time practitioners earning the median hourly rate could take home around $81,000 annually, leading to a different lifestyle and work-life balance. Additionally, per-diem veterinarians often experience higher hourly rates—billing between $90 and $140 at general practices and even more for specialized relief work, which can reach $250 per hour in some cases. Hourly pay can vary significantly depending on the type of employer, with corporate chains like VCA and BluePearl typically offering steadier pay but fewer benefits compared to independent practices. This trend necessitates careful consideration and negotiation, especially for those venturing into part-time or locum tenens roles in Manchester's evolving veterinary landscape.
More salary data for Manchester, CT:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinarians in Manchester in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinarians make in Manchester?
Are veterinarians in Manchester paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinarian make per year in Manchester?
Do veterinarians earn more per hour working part-time in Manchester?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Connecticut
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 Manchester. 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 Manchester 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