Veterinarian Hourly Pay in Norton Shores, MI: $60.91 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinarian working in Norton Shores, MI runs $60.91 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $126,678 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1131). Weighted against Norton Shores's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.2, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $65.35 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $76,013 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Norton Shores, Michigan, the projected veterinarian hourly pay for 2026 stands at $60.91, which is notably lower than the national hourly median of $66.03. This hourly rate provides a solid framework for veterinarians working in diverse settings, ranging from general practice exam rooms to specialty referral hospitals. For those in part-time roles, such as working three days a week, this can translate to a significant earning potential without the demands of a full-time schedule. Additionally, the hourly pay range spans from $36.98 for entry-level positions up to $93.51 for those at the highest earning percentile. It's essential to remember that these hourly figures are derived from annual salary data, providing a glimpse into the financial landscape awaiting veterinarians in Norton Shores.
About the Norton Shores 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) | $36.98 | $295.82 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $47.27 | $378.16 |
| Median (P50) | $60.91 | $487.26 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $74.79 | $598.31 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $93.51 | $748.04 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Norton Shores
Based on $60.91/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $60.91/hr, a veterinarian working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Norton Shores, MI can expect to earn approximately $126,689 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $73,090. With a cost-of-living index of 93.20 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Norton Shores.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Norton Shores
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,436.32 | $10,557 | $126,689 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,461.79 | $6,334 | $76,013 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $974.53 | $4,223 | $50,676 |
Compare DVM Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinarian (Norton Shores) | $60.91 |
| Veterinary Technician (National Avg) | $19.39 |
| Physician (National Avg) | $113.07 |
| Dentist (National Avg) | $87.53 |
| Optometrist (National Avg) | $64.22 |
Veterinarians in Norton Shores, MI earn a median of $126,678 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.76% lower than the national median of $137,334 and 3.70% below the Michigan state average of $131,546.
Veterinarian Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $60.91/hr = $76,013/year (purchasing power: $81,559).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $126,689/year (purchasing power: $135,932).
CoL index: 93.2 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$42.34/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$57.70/hr
2026 Current Est.
$60.91/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+51.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinarians in Norton Shores (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.56% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42.34/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $44.02/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $44.51/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $45.80/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $52.82/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $50.05/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $57.70/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $60.91/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $64.29/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinarians in Norton Shores grew 36.3% from $42.34/hr (2019) to $57.70/hr (2025). At a 5.56% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $64.29/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 Norton Shores 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 Norton Shores
For veterinarians considering part-time or per-diem opportunities, the financial outcomes can be quite favorable. A part-time veterinarian working 24 hours per week could expect a solid annual take-home that reflects their hourly commitment, especially in light of prevailing demand for veterinary services in the region. Per diem veterinarian pay in Norton Shores tends to be lucrative, with many relief veterinarians billing between $90 and $140 per hour for general practice work. Specialty relief operations command even higher rates, with surgery or emergency coverage ranging from $150 to $250 per hour. Additionally, hourly rates can differ based on the type of employment; corporate chains often offer stability with lower hourly wages, while independent practices and specialty hospitals might provide higher rates at the expense of benefits. When negotiating pay, veterinarians should consider the trade-offs between hourly compensation and health insurance offerings, ensuring that they align with their individual financial needs. Understanding the variations in pay across different employer types is crucial for those navigating the veterinary field in Norton Shores, MI.
More salary data for Norton Shores, MI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinarians in Norton Shores in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinarians make in Norton Shores?
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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 Norton Shores. 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 Norton Shores 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