Veterinarian Hourly Pay in Washington, DC: $78.34 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinarian working in Washington, DC runs $78.34 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $162,932 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1131). Weighted against Washington's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.9, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $71.94 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $97,763 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
Veterinarians in Washington, DC, can expect a robust median hourly rate of $78.34, significantly higher than the national median of $66.03. This competitive hourly wage allows for flexible working arrangements, making it an attractive option for part-time veterinarians or those seeking per-diem opportunities. For example, a veterinarian working three days a week could earn approximately $60,502 annually, while per-diem roles typically offer pay that varies widely depending on specialty and demand. The hourly range in the city runs from $40.28 at the 10th percentile to $137.92 at the 90th percentile, indicating both entry-level and experienced professionals can find their place in diverse settings, from general practice exam rooms to specialty referral hospitals and even governmental roles.
Veterinarian Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $40.28 | $322.25 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $64.07 | $512.60 |
| Median (P50) | $78.34 | $626.69 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $100.44 | $803.52 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $137.92 | $1103.40 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Washington
Based on $78.34/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $78.34/hr, a veterinarian working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Washington, DC can expect to earn approximately $162,939 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $94,003. With a cost-of-living index of 108.88 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Washington.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Washington
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,133.44 | $13,578 | $162,939 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,880.07 | $8,147 | $97,763 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,253.38 | $5,431 | $65,176 |
Compare DVM Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinarian (Washington) | $78.34 |
| Veterinary Technician (National Avg) | $19.39 |
| Physician (National Avg) | $113.07 |
| Dentist (National Avg) | $87.53 |
| Optometrist (National Avg) | $64.22 |
Veterinarians in Washington, DC earn a median of $162,932 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.64% higher than the national median of $137,334 and 1.40% above the District of Columbia state average of $160,682.
Veterinarian Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $78.34/hr = $97,763/year (purchasing power: $89,787).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $162,939/year (purchasing power: $149,645).
CoL index: 108.884 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$53.03/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$74.21/hr
2026 Current Est.
$78.34/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+55.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinarians in Washington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.56% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $53.03/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $61.86/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $60.25/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $58.90/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $67.94/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $62.46/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $74.21/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $78.34/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $82.69/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinarians in Washington grew 39.9% from $53.03/hr (2019) to $74.21/hr (2025). At a 5.56% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $82.69/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 Washington 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 Washington
Analyzing the market further, those considering part-time work may find that earning potential can vary greatly based on employer type. Many veterinarians choose per-diem or locum positions, billing anywhere from $90 to $140 per hour in general practice settings and reaching up to $250 per hour for specialty relief rosters. The demand often rises during peak periods, such as weekends in emergency clinics, where earnings can soar to $150-$200 per hour. In Washington, corporate chains dominate a significant portion of the market, often providing stability but sometimes at lower hourly rates compared to independent practices that may offer additional incentives for benefits. Negotiating hourly rates can be beneficial, with tips including understanding local market rates and leveraging specialized skills to secure better compensation. Given the corporate consolidation trend, awareness of compensation models and benefits in discussions with potential employers is essential for those entering the field.
More salary data for Washington, DC:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Pages
Career Resources
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 Washington. 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, 5-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