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.
Official BLS data · View source

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
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 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.
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.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Ocala
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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
| Role | Median 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 |
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 (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.56% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45.65/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $47.46/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $45.89/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $45.33/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $58.71/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $54.80/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $62.21/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65.67/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $69.32/hr | Projected |
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 (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Ocala 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 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.
More salary data for Ocala, FL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinarians in Ocala in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinarians make in Ocala?
Are veterinarians in Ocala paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinarian make per year in Ocala?
Do veterinarians earn more per hour working part-time in Ocala?
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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 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