Veterinarian Hourly Pay in Augusta, GA: $60.96 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinarian working in Augusta, GA runs $60.96 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $126,788 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1131). Weighted against Augusta's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.9, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $66.33 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $76,079 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Augusta, Georgia, veterinarians can expect a median hourly pay of $60.96, which is notably less than the national hourly median of $66.03. This discrepancy may present a different picture for part-time and per-diem workers, particularly those supporting general practice, surgical, and specialty settings. A veterinarian working part-time, for instance, across three days a week, could provide consistent service while still embracing flexibility. Entry-level veterinarians might start at $31.81 per hour, while those at the top of the pay scale can command $107.12 per hour, indicating a broad range of compensation opportunities in the field. This data, derived from projections based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, showcases the financial landscape for veterinary professionals in Augusta and reflects current market trends within the industry.
Veterinarian Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $31.81 | $254.44 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $49.78 | $398.26 |
| Median (P50) | $60.96 | $487.69 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $77.23 | $617.82 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $107.12 | $856.98 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Augusta
Based on $60.96/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $60.96/hr, a veterinarian working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Augusta, GA can expect to earn approximately $126,799 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $73,153. With a cost-of-living index of 91.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Augusta.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Augusta
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,438.44 | $10,567 | $126,799 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,463.06 | $6,340 | $76,079 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $975.37 | $4,227 | $50,719 |
Compare DVM Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinarian (Augusta) | $60.96 |
| Veterinary Technician (National Avg) | $19.39 |
| Physician (National Avg) | $113.07 |
| Dentist (National Avg) | $87.53 |
| Optometrist (National Avg) | $64.22 |
Veterinarians in Augusta, GA earn a median of $126,788 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.68% lower than the national median of $137,334 and 1.50% below the Georgia state average of $128,719.
Veterinarian Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $60.96/hr = $76,079/year (purchasing power: $82,782).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $126,799/year (purchasing power: $137,970).
CoL index: 91.903 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$39.47/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$57.75/hr
2026 Current Est.
$60.96/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+63.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinarians in Augusta (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.56% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39.47/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $47.82/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $45.73/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $47.32/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $48.92/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $48.62/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $57.75/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $60.96/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $64.35/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinarians in Augusta grew 46.3% from $39.47/hr (2019) to $57.75/hr (2025). At a 5.56% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $64.35/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 Augusta 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 Augusta
For those considering part-time work, the annual income for a veterinarian working 24 hours a week could significantly differ from that of their full-time peers, creating an appealing flexibility without a large sacrifice in pay. Many veterinarians opting for locum or per diem work report billing rates that can exceed traditional pay scales, especially within the specialty sector; general practices might see rates between $90 to $140 per hour, while specialized relief services could charge upwards of $150 to $250 per hour. Employers such as corporate chains, independent clinics, or large animal practices tend to differ in compensation structures. Some veterinarians accept lower hourly wages in exchange for health benefits, while others might pursue higher pay rates in environments that do not offer such packages. In a city like Augusta, negotiating an hourly rate involves understanding both the market dynamics and individual practice compensation trends, ensuring that veterinary professionals can recognize their worth effectively.
More salary data for Augusta, GA:
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 Augusta. 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