Veterinarian Hourly Pay in Smyrna, GA: $59.88 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinarian working in Smyrna, GA runs $59.88 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $124,552 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1131). Weighted against Smyrna's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.1, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $64.32 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $74,735 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Smyrna, Georgia, the projected median hourly pay for veterinarians in 2026 is $59.88, which falls below the national hourly median of $66.03. This hourly rate represents the expected earnings for veterinarians working primarily in general practice settings such as exam rooms and surgical suites. For those pursuing part-time opportunities at three days a week, the adjusted earnings can still offer a substantial income while allowing greater flexibility. Additionally, per-diem veterinarians may find this wage appealing for short-term engagements at various facilities, including specialty referral hospitals and university teaching clinics. The hourly earnings for veterinarians in Smyrna range from $34.73 for entry-level positions to $92.82 for top earners—figures derived from annual salary estimates.
About the Smyrna Market
Salary estimated from Georgia average ($110,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Veterinarian Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $34.73 | $277.83 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $46.60 | $372.84 |
| Median (P50) | $59.88 | $479.07 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $76.17 | $609.38 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $92.82 | $742.55 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Smyrna
Based on $59.88/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $59.88/hr, a veterinarian working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Smyrna, GA can expect to earn approximately $124,559 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $71,861. With a cost-of-living index of 93.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Smyrna.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Smyrna
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,395.37 | $10,380 | $124,559 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,437.22 | $6,228 | $74,735 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $958.15 | $4,152 | $49,824 |
Compare DVM Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinarian (Smyrna) | $59.88 |
| Veterinary Technician (National Avg) | $19.39 |
| Physician (National Avg) | $113.07 |
| Dentist (National Avg) | $87.53 |
| Optometrist (National Avg) | $64.22 |
Veterinarians in Smyrna, GA earn a median of $124,552 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.31% lower than the national median of $137,334 and 3.20% below the Georgia state average of $128,670.
Veterinarian Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $59.88/hr = $74,735/year (purchasing power: $80,274).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $124,559/year (purchasing power: $133,791).
CoL index: 93.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$41.63/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$56.73/hr
2026 Current Est.
$59.88/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+51.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinarians in Smyrna (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.56% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $41.63/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $43.28/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $43.77/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $45.03/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $51.93/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $47.66/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $56.73/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $59.88/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $63.21/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinarians in Smyrna grew 36.3% from $41.63/hr (2019) to $56.73/hr (2025). At a 5.56% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $63.21/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 Smyrna 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 Smyrna
Evaluating the earning potential reveals a contrasting picture for those who work part-time versus full-time. A veterinarian working three days a week can earn noticeably less than their full-time counterparts, but still boasts a respectable annual income when counting hours worked. Per-diem and relief veterinarians often command higher rates, billing anywhere from $90 to $140 per hour at general practices, with specialists potentially earning even more—$150 to $250 per hour, especially in emergency settings. Hourly compensation can vary broadly based on the type of practice; larger corporate entities like VCA and BluePearl typically offer structured hourly pay but may not provide the same competitive rates as independent practices. Some veterinarians may choose to accept lower hourly rates in exchange for benefits such as health insurance. Knowing these dynamics can empower veterinarians in Smyrna to negotiate effectively for their hours, ensuring they receive fair pay for their expertise in a competitive market.
More salary data for Smyrna, GA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinarians in Smyrna in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinarians make in Smyrna?
Are veterinarians in Smyrna paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinarian make per year in Smyrna?
Do veterinarians earn more per hour working part-time in Smyrna?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Georgia
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 Smyrna. 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 Smyrna 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