Veterinarian Hourly Pay in Sanford, ME: $61.44 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinarian working in Sanford, ME runs $61.44 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $127,780 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1131). Weighted against Sanford's regional price level (BEA RPP 99.6, 0% above national), each hour of work buys what $61.68 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $76,672 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Sanford, Maine, the projected median hourly pay for veterinarians in 2026 is $61.44, which is notably lower than the national median of $66.03 per hour. This difference in pay reflects the local market conditions and cost of living, which is just below the national average. For part-time veterinarians working three days a week, estimated earnings can provide a sustainable income while allowing for work-life balance in typical settings, like general practice exam rooms and specialty hospitals. Hourly rates for veterinarians in Sanford range from $39.07 at the entry-level to as high as $92.90 for top earners, indicating opportunities for advancement and specialization. Per diem roles, where hourly pay can vary significantly, allow for flexibility, with rates that may reach higher levels depending on the specific services provided.
About the Sanford Market
Salary estimated from Maine average ($116,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Veterinarian Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $39.07 | $312.54 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50.54 | $404.34 |
| Median (P50) | $61.44 | $491.49 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $74.56 | $596.46 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $92.90 | $743.23 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Sanford
Based on $61.44/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $61.44/hr, a veterinarian working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Sanford, ME can expect to earn approximately $127,787 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $73,723. With a cost-of-living index of 99.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Sanford.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Sanford
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,457.44 | $10,649 | $127,787 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,474.46 | $6,389 | $76,672 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $982.97 | $4,260 | $51,115 |
Compare DVM Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinarian (Sanford) | $61.44 |
| Veterinary Technician (National Avg) | $19.39 |
| Physician (National Avg) | $113.07 |
| Dentist (National Avg) | $87.53 |
| Optometrist (National Avg) | $64.22 |
Veterinarians in Sanford, ME earn a median of $127,780 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.96% lower than the national median of $137,334 and 6.60% below the Maine state average of $136,810.
Veterinarian Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $61.44/hr = $76,672/year (purchasing power: $76,980).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $127,787/year (purchasing power: $128,300).
CoL index: 99.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$42.70/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$58.20/hr
2026 Current Est.
$61.44/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+51.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinarians in Sanford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.56% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42.70/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $44.40/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $44.90/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $46.19/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $53.28/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $51.89/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $58.20/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61.44/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $64.85/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinarians in Sanford grew 36.3% from $42.70/hr (2019) to $58.20/hr (2025). At a 5.56% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $64.85/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 Sanford 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 Sanford
For a veterinarian opting for part-time work at 24 hours weekly, earnings can amount to approximately $45,000 annually, versus full-time counterparts potentially nearing $127,780 in annual salary. The locum or per diem market reveals considerable earning potential, with relief veterinarians billing between $90 and $140 hourly for general practices, while specialty services can command even higher rates, between $150 and $250 per hour. In Sanford's veterinary sector, hourly rates vary across employer types, with corporate clinics often offering stable pay alongside benefits, while independent practices may pay less but offer more flexibility. Additionally, negotiating for a higher hourly rate may be possible, particularly for those providing essential weekend emergency support. As corporate consolidation continues to influence veterinary pay scales, understanding these dynamics is crucial for both new graduates and seasoned practitioners exploring their compensation options.
More salary data for Sanford, ME:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Sanford. 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 Sanford 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