Veterinarian Hourly Pay in Muncie, IN: $64.45 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinarian working in Muncie, IN runs $64.45 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $134,075 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1131). Weighted against Muncie's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.3, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $70.60 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $80,440 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Muncie, Indiana, the veterinarian hourly pay is projected to be $64.45 in 2026, which is slightly below the national median hourly rate of $66.03. This compensation reflects the economic landscape in the area, where veterinarians work in various settings such as general practice exam rooms, surgical suites, and specialty referral hospitals. For part-time veterinarians working around three days a week, this hourly rate translates to possible earning less than full-time colleagues, making this profession suitable for those seeking flexibility in their careers. Entry-level veterinarians can expect to earn around $37.39 per hour, while top earners may see wages reaching $99.91 per hour. It’s crucial to note that these rates are estimated from annual salary data, emphasizing the growing demand for veterinary services across Muncie’s healthcare landscape.
About the Muncie Market
Salary estimated from Indiana average ($108,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Veterinarian Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37.39 | $299.11 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $49.93 | $399.44 |
| Median (P50) | $64.45 | $515.64 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $81.65 | $653.21 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $99.91 | $799.30 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Muncie
Based on $64.45/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $64.45/hr, a veterinarian working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Muncie, IN can expect to earn approximately $134,066 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $77,346. With a cost-of-living index of 91.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Muncie.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Muncie
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,578.20 | $11,172 | $134,066 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,546.92 | $6,703 | $80,440 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,031.28 | $4,469 | $53,627 |
Compare DVM Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinarian (Muncie) | $64.45 |
| Veterinary Technician (National Avg) | $19.39 |
| Physician (National Avg) | $113.07 |
| Dentist (National Avg) | $87.53 |
| Optometrist (National Avg) | $64.22 |
Veterinarians in Muncie, IN earn a median of $134,075 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.37% lower than the national median of $137,334 and 1.40% above the Indiana state average of $132,224.
Veterinarian Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $64.45/hr = $80,440/year (purchasing power: $88,105).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $134,066/year (purchasing power: $146,841).
CoL index: 91.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$44.80/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$61.06/hr
2026 Current Est.
$64.45/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+51.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinarians in Muncie (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.56% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44.80/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $46.58/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $47.11/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $44.58/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $55.90/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $48.08/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $61.06/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $64.45/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $68.04/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinarians in Muncie grew 36.3% from $44.80/hr (2019) to $61.06/hr (2025). At a 5.56% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $68.04/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 Muncie 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 Muncie
Analytical insights into the compensation structure show that a part-time veterinarian taking on a 24-hour workweek could earn significantly less yearly compared to full-time colleagues, hinting at the trade-offs in work-life balance and financial stability. Per diem veterinarians, particularly those involved in agency or locum services, often command much higher hourly rates, typically billing between $90 to $140 for general practice work, and even reaching $150 to $250 for specialty services. The diverse employer landscape in Muncie, from large corporate chains like VCA and BluePearl to independent practices, creates variability in hourly earnings. While some veterinarians may accept lower pay for the benefits of health insurance, others might prefer a higher hourly rate with no benefits, making negotiation strategies vital in this market. Understanding these dynamics is essential for any veterinarian navigating their career in Muncie, ensuring they effectively advocate for their worth in this evolving field.
More salary data for Muncie, IN:
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 Muncie. 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 Muncie 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