Veterinarian Hourly Pay in Ottumwa, IA: $60.29 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinarian working in Ottumwa, IA runs $60.29 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $125,391 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1131). Weighted against Ottumwa's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.4, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $66.69 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $75,236 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Ottumwa, Iowa, the veterinarian hourly pay is projected to reach $60.29 in 2026. This figure is notably lower than the national median of $66.03 per hour, which could influence both job applications and negotiations for local practitioners. For part-time veterinarians working three days a week, this translates to approximately $46,000 annually, making it a viable option for those seeking work-life balance. Additionally, per-diem veterinarians in Ottumwa can expect pay ranges from $38.19 for entry-level positions to $93.44 for the most experienced professionals, reflecting the diversity of roles and settings in this field. Typical environments include general practices, specialty referral hospitals, equine ambulatory services, and even government facilities, all of which contribute to the varying hourly rates observed.
About the Ottumwa Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($108,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Veterinarian Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38.19 | $305.53 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $49.30 | $394.37 |
| Median (P50) | $60.29 | $482.28 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $75.11 | $600.85 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $93.44 | $747.53 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Ottumwa
Based on $60.29/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $60.29/hr, a veterinarian working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Ottumwa, IA can expect to earn approximately $125,393 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $72,342. With a cost-of-living index of 90.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Ottumwa.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Ottumwa
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,411.41 | $10,449 | $125,393 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,446.85 | $6,270 | $75,236 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $964.57 | $4,180 | $50,157 |
Compare DVM Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinarian (Ottumwa) | $60.29 |
| Veterinary Technician (National Avg) | $19.39 |
| Physician (National Avg) | $113.07 |
| Dentist (National Avg) | $87.53 |
| Optometrist (National Avg) | $64.22 |
Veterinarians in Ottumwa, IA earn a median of $125,391 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.70% lower than the national median of $137,334 and 7.00% below the Iowa state average of $134,828.
Veterinarian Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $60.29/hr = $75,236/year (purchasing power: $83,226).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $125,393/year (purchasing power: $138,710).
CoL index: 90.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$41.90/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$57.11/hr
2026 Current Est.
$60.29/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+51.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinarians in Ottumwa (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.56% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $41.90/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $43.57/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $44.06/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $45.33/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $52.28/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $43.67/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $57.11/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $60.29/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $63.64/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinarians in Ottumwa grew 36.3% from $41.90/hr (2019) to $57.11/hr (2025). At a 5.56% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $63.64/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 Ottumwa 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 Ottumwa
Veterinarians who choose a part-time schedule might face a significant difference in annual earnings compared to full-time counterparts, which typically clock in around $120,000 or more. For per-diem, agency, or locum tenens veterinarians, the hourly billing rates can be strikingly higher: general practice relief work commands between $90-$140 per hour, while specialty relief can reach $150-$250 per hour. Weekend emergency coverage at understaffed clinics often draws rates of $150-$200, reflecting the urgent need for veterinary care during off-hours. Hourly rates can vary widely based on the type of practice in Ottumwa, with corporate chains often offering lower pay but providing health benefits, while independent practices may pay slightly more, although without benefits. As veterinary professionals negotiate their compensation, it’s wise to consider both hourly rates and benefits packages to find the most suitable balance for their circumstances. Networking within local veterinary associations and staying informed about industry trends can also aid in securing better opportunities in this competitive field.
More salary data for Ottumwa, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinarians in Ottumwa in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinarians make in Ottumwa?
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Career Resources
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 Ottumwa. 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 Ottumwa 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