Veterinarian Hourly Pay in Muskegon, MI: $61.65 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinarian working in Muskegon, MI runs $61.65 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $128,221 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1131). Weighted against Muskegon's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.2, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $66.14 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $76,936 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Muskegon, Michigan, the projected veterinarian hourly pay for 2026 stands at $61.65. This figure is somewhat lower than the national median of $66.03 per hour, indicating potential differences in regional market conditions and demand for veterinary services. For part-time veterinarians working three days a week, this hourly rate translates to a solid income while offering the flexibility that many seek in their professional lives. Per-diem workers in this field can also thrive, with typical settings ranging from general practice exam rooms to specialty referral hospitals and university teaching clinics. The hourly compensation varies widely, with entry-level veterinarians starting at around $35.75, while experienced practitioners can command rates as high as $95.55. These projections reflect a sector that is adapting to evolving demands and circumstances in Muskegon.
About the Muskegon Market
Salary estimated from Michigan average ($116,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Veterinarian Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $35.75 | $286.03 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $47.00 | $375.96 |
| Median (P50) | $61.65 | $493.18 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $76.79 | $614.36 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $95.55 | $764.42 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Muskegon
Based on $61.65/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $61.65/hr, a veterinarian working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Muskegon, MI can expect to earn approximately $128,226 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $73,976. With a cost-of-living index of 93.20 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Muskegon.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Muskegon
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,465.88 | $10,685 | $128,226 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,479.53 | $6,411 | $76,936 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $986.35 | $4,274 | $51,290 |
Compare DVM Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinarian (Muskegon) | $61.65 |
| Veterinary Technician (National Avg) | $19.39 |
| Physician (National Avg) | $113.07 |
| Dentist (National Avg) | $87.53 |
| Optometrist (National Avg) | $64.22 |
Veterinarians in Muskegon, MI earn a median of $128,221 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.64% lower than the national median of $137,334 and 2.50% below the Michigan state average of $131,508.
Veterinarian Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $61.65/hr = $76,936/year (purchasing power: $82,549).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $128,226/year (purchasing power: $137,581).
CoL index: 93.2 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$42.85/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$58.40/hr
2026 Current Est.
$61.65/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+51.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinarians in Muskegon (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.56% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42.85/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $44.55/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $45.05/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $46.35/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $53.46/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $50.66/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $58.40/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61.65/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $65.07/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinarians in Muskegon grew 36.3% from $42.85/hr (2019) to $58.40/hr (2025). At a 5.56% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $65.07/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 Muskegon 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 Muskegon
For veterinarians considering part-time work in Muskegon, a schedule of three days a week equates to roughly 24 hours each week, resulting in an annual income that is significantly attractive, although less than that of their full-time counterparts. In addition, relief and locum veterinarians frequently enjoy lucrative per diem rates that can range anywhere from $90 to $140 per hour in general practices, while those in specialty roles can earn substantially more, securing between $150 and $250 per hour. The payer landscape can fluctuate notably between employer types, with corporate giants and independent practices offering diverse compensation packages based on services rendered. A prevalent trade-off exists as some veterinarians weigh the benefits of stable hourly pay against the higher, yet potentially less reliable, rates available without health insurance. Prospective employees should come prepared to negotiate, emphasizing flexibility, expertise, and any favorable clinical experience that can sway an employer's decision in their favor.
More salary data for Muskegon, MI:
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 Muskegon. 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 Muskegon 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