Veterinarian Hourly Pay in Chelmsford, MA: $65.09 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinarian working in Chelmsford, MA runs $65.09 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $135,385 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1131). Weighted against Chelmsford's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $59.99 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $81,230 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Chelmsford, Massachusetts, the veterinarian hourly pay stands at a median of $65.09, closely tracking the national hourly median of $66.03. This rate reflects the potential earning power of veterinarians in various practice settings, such as general practice exam rooms, surgical suites, and specialty referral hospitals. For part-time veterinarians working three days a week, the median hourly pay translates into a robust income, especially when engaging in per-diem opportunities that can further enhance their earnings. The hourly range for veterinarians in Chelmsford stretches from $38.62 for entry-level positions to $100.88 for top earners, indicating a spectrum of financial possibilities based on experience, specialty, and practice type.
About the Chelmsford 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) | $38.62 | $309.00 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51.62 | $412.95 |
| Median (P50) | $65.09 | $520.71 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $83.02 | $664.18 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $100.88 | $807.07 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Chelmsford
Based on $65.09/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $65.09/hr, a veterinarian working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Chelmsford, MA can expect to earn approximately $135,384 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $78,106. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Chelmsford.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Chelmsford
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,603.53 | $11,282 | $135,384 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,562.12 | $6,769 | $81,230 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,041.41 | $4,513 | $54,153 |
Compare DVM Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinarian (Chelmsford) | $65.09 |
| Veterinary Technician (National Avg) | $19.39 |
| Physician (National Avg) | $113.07 |
| Dentist (National Avg) | $87.53 |
| Optometrist (National Avg) | $64.22 |
Veterinarians in Chelmsford, MA earn a median of $135,385 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.42% lower than the national median of $137,334 and 4.90% below the Massachusetts state average of $142,361.
Veterinarian Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $65.09/hr = $81,230/year (purchasing power: $74,867).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $135,384/year (purchasing power: $124,778).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$45.24/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$61.66/hr
2026 Current Est.
$65.09/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+51.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinarians in Chelmsford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.56% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45.24/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $47.04/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $47.57/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $48.94/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $56.45/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $70.41/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $61.66/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65.09/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $68.71/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinarians in Chelmsford grew 36.3% from $45.24/hr (2019) to $61.66/hr (2025). At a 5.56% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $68.71/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 Chelmsford 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 Chelmsford
Looking beyond the surface, part-time veterinarians in Chelmsford can expect to take home considerably less on an annual basis than their full-time counterparts, reflecting the balance between work hours and income. Per diem veterinarians often command higher rates, with general practitioners billing between $90 and $140 per hour. Specialty relief veterinarians can reach even greater heights, charging $150-$250 per hour, particularly in emergency or specialized surgery situations. Hourly rates also differ based on employer types; while corporate chains like VCA and BluePearl represent about 25% of the market, independent practices and larger specialty hospitals may offer contrasting pay scales. Additionally, some veterinarians may choose lower hourly rates in exchange for health benefits, while others may prefer the flexibility of higher hourly wages without benefits. Navigating these choices can impact overall job satisfaction and financial health, making it essential for those working in Chelmsford to consider their priorities and negotiation strategies when seeking positions in the veterinary field.
More salary data for Chelmsford, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Chelmsford. 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 Chelmsford 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