Veterinarian Hourly Pay in Lafayette, LA: $63.17 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinarian working in Lafayette, LA runs $63.17 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $131,391 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1131). Weighted against Lafayette's regional price level (BEA RPP 87.2, 13% below national), each hour of work buys what $72.43 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $78,833 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Lafayette, Louisiana, the median hourly pay for veterinarians is projected to be $63.17 in 2026, which falls slightly below the national median hourly rate of $66.03. This hourly rate influences part-time and per-diem veterinarians significantly, particularly those who typically work in general practice exam rooms, surgical suites, or specialty referral hospitals. While entry-level veterinarians may earn approximately $31.79 per hour, seasoned professionals can make as much as $95.61 hourly, showcasing a robust range that reflects skill level and experience. These figures are sourced from the latest official Bureau of Labor Statistics data, providing a valuable reference for veterinary professionals considering their earning potential in various clinical settings across Lafayette.
Veterinarian Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $31.79 | $254.36 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39.89 | $319.13 |
| Median (P50) | $63.17 | $505.34 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $68.84 | $550.69 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $95.61 | $764.85 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lafayette
Based on $63.17/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $63.17/hr, a veterinarian working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lafayette, LA can expect to earn approximately $131,388 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $75,801. With a cost-of-living index of 87.21 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Lafayette.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lafayette
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,526.68 | $10,949 | $131,388 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,516.01 | $6,569 | $78,833 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,010.67 | $4,380 | $52,555 |
Compare DVM Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinarian (Lafayette) | $63.17 |
| Veterinary Technician (National Avg) | $19.39 |
| Physician (National Avg) | $113.07 |
| Dentist (National Avg) | $87.53 |
| Optometrist (National Avg) | $64.22 |
Veterinarians in Lafayette, LA earn a median of $131,391 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.33% lower than the national median of $137,334.
Veterinarian Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $63.17/hr = $78,833/year (purchasing power: $90,395).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $131,388/year (purchasing power: $150,658).
CoL index: 87.209 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$43.91/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$59.84/hr
2026 Current Est.
$63.17/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+51.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinarians in Lafayette (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.56% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $43.91/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $34.98/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $47.55/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $46.48/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $48.69/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $52.54/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $59.84/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $63.17/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $66.68/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinarians in Lafayette grew 36.3% from $43.91/hr (2019) to $59.84/hr (2025). At a 5.56% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $66.68/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 Lafayette 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 Lafayette
For veterinarians working part-time, such as those employed three days a week, annual earnings can vastly differ compared to their full-time counterparts. A veterinarian working 24 hours weekly would bring home substantially less than a full-time equaling roughly $131,391 based on annual calculations. Meanwhile, per diem veterinarians in Lafayette serve a versatile role, often earning higher hourly rates, especially in emergency coverage or specialized practices. Rates can range from $90 to $250 depending on expertise and service type, illustrating the financial opportunities available for relief and locum veterinary positions. Additionally, hourly compensation varies widely among employer types in Lafayette, with corporate clinics like VCA and BluePearl often offering different scales compared to family-owned practices. Understanding these nuances can be key for veterinarians negotiating their pay, balancing between higher hourly wages with no benefits and lower rates that include health insurance—each choice carrying significant implications for career satisfaction and financial stability.
More salary data for Lafayette, LA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinarians in Lafayette in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinarians make in Lafayette?
Are veterinarians in Lafayette paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinarian make per year in Lafayette?
Do veterinarians earn more per hour working part-time in Lafayette?
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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 Lafayette. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 6-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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