Veterinarian Hourly Pay in Central, LA: $60.69 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinarian working in Central, LA runs $60.69 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $126,220 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1131). Weighted against Central's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.3, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $67.21 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $75,737 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Veterinarians in Central, Louisiana, are projected to earn a median hourly rate of $60.69 in 2026, which ranks below the national median of $66.03. This hourly pay translates well for those who prefer part-time or per-diem work, such as professionals engaged in general practice, surgical suites, and specialty hospitals. An individual working three days a week would benefit significantly from this hourly rate, obtaining a sufficient income while enjoying more flexible scheduling. Entry-level veterinarians might find themselves earning around $37.05, while highly experienced practitioners can make up to $94.05 hourly, reflecting a broad range from novice to top earners in the field.
About the Central Market
Salary estimated from Louisiana average ($102,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Veterinarian Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37.05 | $296.41 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $48.90 | $391.16 |
| Median (P50) | $60.69 | $485.49 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $76.85 | $614.78 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $94.05 | $752.43 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Central
Based on $60.69/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $60.69/hr, a veterinarian working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Central, LA can expect to earn approximately $126,228 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $72,824. With a cost-of-living index of 90.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Central.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Central
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,427.46 | $10,519 | $126,228 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,456.47 | $6,311 | $75,737 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $970.98 | $4,208 | $50,491 |
Compare DVM Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinarian (Central) | $60.69 |
| Veterinary Technician (National Avg) | $19.39 |
| Physician (National Avg) | $113.07 |
| Dentist (National Avg) | $87.53 |
| Optometrist (National Avg) | $64.22 |
Veterinarians in Central, LA earn a median of $126,220 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.09% lower than the national median of $137,334 and 3.90% below the Louisiana state average of $131,343.
Veterinarian Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $60.69/hr = $75,737/year (purchasing power: $83,872).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $126,228/year (purchasing power: $139,787).
CoL index: 90.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$42.18/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$57.49/hr
2026 Current Est.
$60.69/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+51.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinarians in Central (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.56% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42.18/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $43.86/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $44.35/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $45.63/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $52.63/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $42.54/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $57.49/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $60.69/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $64.06/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinarians in Central grew 36.3% from $42.18/hr (2019) to $57.49/hr (2025). At a 5.56% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $64.06/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 Central 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 Central
For those eyeing part-time positions in Central, a veterinarian working 24 hours per week can expect to earn significantly less than their full-time counterparts over a year, depending on their specific engagements. Per diem arrangements are common in this profession, offering opportunities for locum vets to bill between $90-$140 per hour in general practices and even higher for specialties, ranging from $150 to $250 per hour. Interestingly, hourly rates can differ based on the type of employer; corporate chains may offer lower pay compared to private practices, which sometimes have more financial flexibility. Some professionals accept lower hourly compensation for the benefits that corporate positions may provide, including health insurance and retirement plans. When negotiating hourly pay in Central, veterinarians should consider what balance of rate versus benefits works best for them, particularly in a market experiencing significant consolidation and shifting compensation structures.
More salary data for Central, LA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinarians in Central in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinarians make in Central?
Are veterinarians in Central paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinarian make per year in Central?
Do veterinarians earn more per hour working part-time in Central?
Related Pages
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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 Central. 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 Central 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