Veterinarian Hourly Pay in Nicholasville, KY: $58.07 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinarian working in Nicholasville, KY runs $58.07 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $120,782 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1131). Weighted against Nicholasville's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.3, 11% below national), each hour of work buys what $65.03 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $72,470 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Veterinarians in Nicholasville, KY, earn a median hourly pay of $58.07, which positions them below the national median hourly rate of $66.03. This pay level offers a unique perspective for those working part-time or as per-diem veterinarians, particularly in varied environments such as general practice exam rooms, surgical suites, and specialty referral hospitals. For someone working three days a week, the consistent hourly pay can provide a stable income while also affording them the flexibility to manage other commitments or interests. The hourly range in Nicholasville spans from $33.68 at the entry-level (P10) to $90.00 for top earners (P90), reflecting a dynamic landscape where experience and skillset significantly impact earning potential.
About the Nicholasville Market
Salary estimated from Kentucky average ($104,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Veterinarian Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $33.68 | $269.47 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $45.02 | $360.17 |
| Median (P50) | $58.07 | $464.55 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $71.85 | $574.84 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $90.00 | $720.00 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Nicholasville
Based on $58.07/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $58.07/hr, a veterinarian working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Nicholasville, KY can expect to earn approximately $120,783 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $69,682. With a cost-of-living index of 89.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Nicholasville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Nicholasville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,322.74 | $10,065 | $120,783 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,393.65 | $6,039 | $72,470 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $929.10 | $4,026 | $48,313 |
Compare DVM Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinarian (Nicholasville) | $58.07 |
| Veterinary Technician (National Avg) | $19.39 |
| Physician (National Avg) | $113.07 |
| Dentist (National Avg) | $87.53 |
| Optometrist (National Avg) | $64.22 |
Veterinarians in Nicholasville, KY earn a median of $120,782 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.05% lower than the national median of $137,334 and 1.50% below the Kentucky state average of $122,621.
Veterinarian Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $58.07/hr = $72,470/year (purchasing power: $81,153).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $120,783/year (purchasing power: $135,255).
CoL index: 89.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$40.36/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$55.01/hr
2026 Current Est.
$58.07/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+51.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinarians in Nicholasville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.56% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $40.36/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $41.97/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $42.44/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $43.66/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $50.36/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $43.97/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $55.01/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $58.07/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $61.30/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinarians in Nicholasville grew 36.3% from $40.36/hr (2019) to $55.01/hr (2025). At a 5.56% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $61.30/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 Nicholasville 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 Nicholasville
Those considering part-time work, for instance, a veterinarian working 24 hours a week, may find their annual earnings are notably lower compared to full-time counterparts, leading to a demand for supplemental income sources. Per-diem opportunities present another avenue; veterinarians in Nicholasville engaging in locum or relief work can typically command higher rates, often billing $90-$140/hr in general practices, and specialty relief roles may reach from $150-$250/hr, depending on the urgency and expertise required. The type of employer also influences pay structures, as large animal practices, corporate chains, or independent clinics each present varying rates and benefits. This situation creates a trade-off where some veterinarians may accept a lower hourly rate for the sake of benefits like health insurance, which can be a serious consideration in a rapidly consolidating industry. When negotiating hourly pay in Nicholasville, it's beneficial to prepare a comprehensive understanding of the market rates and to leverage any specialization or unique skills to maximize earning potential in this diverse field.
More salary data for Nicholasville, KY:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinarians in Nicholasville in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinarians make in Nicholasville?
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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 Nicholasville. 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 Nicholasville 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