Veterinarian Salary

Veterinarian Hourly Pay in Ocala, FL: $65.67 (2026)

Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinarian working in Ocala, FL runs $65.67 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $136,605 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1131). Weighted against Ocala's regional price level (BEA RPP 95.2, 5% below national), each hour of work buys what $68.96 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $81,955 per year.

$136,605
Median Annual Salary
$65.67/hr
Hourly Rate
$77,080
Entry Level (P10)
$219,649
Top Earners (P90)

Official BLS data · View source

Veterinarian Hourly Rate in Ocala, FL — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Ocala, FL veterinarian hourly rate overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

In Ocala, Florida, veterinarians can expect a median hourly rate of $65.67, which is slightly below the national median of $66.03. This hourly rate provides a competitive edge for veterinarians who often seek part-time positions within settings such as general practice exam rooms, surgical suites, and specialty clinics. For those working part-time, particularly at three days a week, the financial goals vary significantly based on the number of hours worked. Hourly wages can range from $37.06 for entry-level positions to as high as $105.60 for experienced veterinarians at the top of their field in Ocala, as evidenced by official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data. Such pay structures not only reflect experience and specialization but also the varied practice environments, including equine visits and university-affiliated hospitals, where daily demands fluctuate.

Veterinarian Hourly Wage Breakdown

PercentileHourly RatePer 8hr Shift
Entry Level (P10)$37.06$296.50
Lower Range (P25)$41.97$335.77
Median (P50)$65.67$525.35
Upper Range (P75)$79.98$639.86
Top Earners (P90)$105.60$844.82

Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Ocala

Based on $65.67/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.

Horizontal bars showing a veterinarian in Ocala earning $65.67/hr would make approximately $78,803 part-time (24 hr/wk) or $136,591 full-time (40 hr/wk).Part-Time (24 hr/wk)$78,803Reduced (32 hr/wk)$105,070Full-Time (40 hr/wk)$136,591

At $65.67/hr, a veterinarian working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Ocala, FL can expect to earn approximately $136,591 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $78,803. With a cost-of-living index of 95.23 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Ocala.

Annual estimates assume 5052 working weeks per year. Actual earnings vary by employer, overtime, and benefits.

Hourly Rate Calculator

$525.35
per 8hr shift
$2,626.76
per week
$11,383
per month
$136,591
per year

Schedule Comparison in Ocala

ScheduleWeeklyMonthlyAnnual
Full-Time (40 hrs)$2,626.76$11,383$136,591
Part-Time (24 hrs)$1,576.05$6,830$81,955
Per Diem (16 hrs)$1,050.70$4,553$54,637

Compare DVM Wages With Similar Roles

RoleMedian Hourly
Veterinarian (Ocala)$65.67
Veterinary Technician (National Avg)$19.39
Physician (National Avg)$113.07
Dentist (National Avg)$87.53
Optometrist (National Avg)$64.22
Horizontal bar chart comparing veterinarian median salary in Ocala ($136,605) with Florida average ($138,545) and the US national median ($137,334).Ocala$136,605Florida Avg$138,545-1.40%US National$137,334-0.53%

Veterinarians in Ocala, FL earn a median of $136,605 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.53% lower than the national median of $137,334 and 1.40% below the Florida state average of $138,545.

Veterinarian Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living

Working 24h/week at $65.67/hr = $81,955/year (purchasing power: $86,056).

Working 40h/week (full-time) = $136,591/year (purchasing power: $143,427).

CoL index: 95.234 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.

2019 BLS Actual

$45.65/hr

2025 BLS Actual

$62.21/hr

2026 Current Est.

$65.67/hr

2019–2027 Growth

+51.9%

Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinarians in Ocala (20192027)

2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.56% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Hourly rate trajectory chart for veterinarians in Ocala. Baseline $45.65/hr in 2025, projected to $69.32/hr by 2027.$41$49$57$66$742019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$45.65$47.46$45.89$45.33$58.71$54.80$62.21$65.67$69.32
YearHourly RateStatus
2019$45.65/hrActual
2020$47.46/hrActual
2021$45.89/hrActual
2022$45.33/hrActual
2023$58.71/hrActual
2024$54.80/hrActual
2025$62.21/hrActual
2026(current)$65.67/hrEstimated
2027$69.32/hrProjected

Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinarians in Ocala grew 36.3% from $45.65/hr (2019) to $62.21/hr (2025). At a 5.56% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $69.32/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem veterinarians can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.

Note: Historical values (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Ocala metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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 Ocala

Various working arrangements greatly influence the pay dynamics for veterinarians in Ocala. A veterinarian working just three days a week, contributing 24 hours, could generate an income that presents a considerable difference from those opting for full-time roles. Part-time veterinarians can take home around $82,047 annually, significantly lower than full-time counterparts. Meanwhile, the choice to work per-diem or engagement with locum tenens roles opens a spectrum of pay, with rates soaring between $90 and $140 per hour in general practice settings; specialty relief doctors might command rates between $150 and $250 per hour depending on their expertise. Employers, including corporate chains and independent practices, often provide different compensation packages, which can include vital benefits that influence the price-per-hour equation. For many veterinarians, accepting a lower hourly rate might be balanced by access to health insurance and retirement plans, factors that enhance overall job satisfaction. Negotiation strategies should focus heavily on understanding employer-specific compensation trends within Ocala's evolving veterinary marketplace, particularly as consolidation in veterinary practice shapes pay scales and working conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hourly rate for veterinarians in Ocala in 2026?

The estimated 2026 median hourly rate for veterinarians in Ocala is $65.67/hour, based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 5.56% annual growth). Rates range from $37.06 at entry level (10th percentile) to $105.60 for experienced practitioners (90th percentile). This is 0.5% below the national average. Hourly pay varies based on practice type, patient volume, years of experience, and whether the position includes benefits.

How much do part-time veterinarians make in Ocala?

A part-time veterinarian working 3 days per week (24 hours) in Ocala earns approximately $6,830/month, or $81,955/year at the median hourly rate of $65.67. Many veterinarians prefer part-time schedules for work-life balance, and some work at multiple practices to maximize earnings. Part-time positions may not include benefits like health insurance or retirement contributions, but typically offer higher hourly rates to compensate.

Are veterinarians in Ocala paid hourly or salary?

The majority of veterinarians in Ocala are paid hourly at a median rate of $65.67/hour. Some full-time positions at larger practices or organizations offer salaried compensation around $136,591/year, often bundled with benefits including health insurance, paid time off, retirement plans, and continuing education allowances. Hourly pay gives flexibility, while salary positions provide income stability.

How much does a full-time veterinarian make per year in Ocala?

A full-time veterinarian working 40 hours per week (2,080 hours/year) in Ocala earns approximately $136,591/year at the median hourly rate of $65.67. This is 0.5% below the national median. Top earners working full-time can reach $219,653/year at the 90th percentile rate. Overtime and weekend shifts may further increase annual earnings.

Do veterinarians earn more per hour working part-time in Ocala?

Part-time and per diem veterinarians in Ocala sometimes command higher hourly rates — up to $105.60/hour — because practices need flexible coverage for specific days or peak hours. However, part-time positions typically do not include benefits like health insurance, paid time off, or retirement contributions. When factoring in the value of benefits, full-time salaried positions may offer comparable or better total compensation despite a slightly lower hourly rate.

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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.

Clinically reviewed by Dr. Samuel Patel, DVMData verified by Dr. Maria Gomez, DVM

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 Ocala. 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

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