Veterinarian Hourly Pay in Cambridge, MA: $68.80 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinarian working in Cambridge, MA runs $68.80 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $143,121 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1131). Weighted against Cambridge's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $63.41 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $85,867 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Cambridge, Massachusetts, the veterinarian hourly pay is projected to reach $68.80 by 2026, slightly surpassing the national median of $66.03. This figure offers valuable insights for those considering part-time or per-diem positions, which are common in varied settings such as general practice exam rooms, specialty referral hospitals, and veterinary universities. For those working three days a week, the potential to earn a competitive hourly rate makes it an appealing option, especially as earnings can range from $39.91 for entry-level positions to $106.66 for top earners. These rates are estimated based on annual data, reflecting the growth of the profession and the increasing demand for veterinary services in the area.
About the Cambridge Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($142,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Veterinarian Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $39.91 | $319.30 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51.41 | $411.26 |
| Median (P50) | $68.80 | $550.43 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $88.08 | $704.63 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $106.66 | $853.26 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Cambridge
Based on $68.80/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $68.80/hr, a veterinarian working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Cambridge, MA can expect to earn approximately $143,112 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $82,565. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Cambridge.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Cambridge
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,752.16 | $11,926 | $143,112 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,651.30 | $7,156 | $85,867 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,100.86 | $4,770 | $57,245 |
Compare DVM Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinarian (Cambridge) | $68.80 |
| Veterinary Technician (National Avg) | $19.39 |
| Physician (National Avg) | $113.07 |
| Dentist (National Avg) | $87.53 |
| Optometrist (National Avg) | $64.22 |
Veterinarians in Cambridge, MA earn a median of $143,121 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.21% higher than the national median of $137,334 and 0.50% above the Massachusetts state average of $142,409.
Veterinarian Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $68.80/hr = $85,867/year (purchasing power: $79,140).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $143,112/year (purchasing power: $131,901).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$47.83/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$65.18/hr
2026 Current Est.
$68.80/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+51.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinarians in Cambridge (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.56% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $47.83/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $49.72/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $50.29/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $51.73/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $59.67/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $73.03/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $65.18/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $68.80/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $72.63/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinarians in Cambridge grew 36.3% from $47.83/hr (2019) to $65.18/hr (2025). At a 5.56% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $72.63/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 Cambridge 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 Cambridge
Veterinarians taking on part-time roles in Cambridge can expect to bring home a substantial income compared to full-time counterparts. For instance, a veterinarian working 24 hours a week could earn around $104,448 annually—an alluring option for many professionals seeking work-life balance. Per diem positions, especially in relief or locum tenens roles, can be even more lucrative, with fees varying widely. For example, while general practice relief veterinarians might charge $90-$140 an hour, specialized relief, such as in surgery or emergency care, can command rates from $150 to $250 per hour. It's essential to understand that different types of employers, from corporate chains like VCA to independent practices, offer distinct hourly pay scales; larger corporations may provide lower rates but often come with better benefits. Additionally, those who seek to negotiate higher hourly wages should consider discussing health insurance options and other perks that may influence their overall compensation package. Understanding the nuances of veterinarian hourly rates in Cambridge is crucial for maximizing earning potential in today's evolving veterinary landscape.
More salary data for Cambridge, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinarians in Cambridge in 2026?
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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 Cambridge. 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 Cambridge 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