Veterinarian Salary

Veterinarian Hourly Pay in Hernando, MS: $53.27 (2026)

Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinarian working in Hernando, MS runs $53.27 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $110,797 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1131). Weighted against Hernando's regional price level (BEA RPP 85.7, 14% below national), each hour of work buys what $62.15 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $66,475 per year.

$110,797
Median Annual Salary
$53.27/hr
Hourly Rate
$64,262
Entry Level (P10)
$171,736
Top Earners (P90)

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Veterinarian Hourly Rate in Hernando, MS — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Hernando, MS veterinarian hourly rate overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

In Hernando, Mississippi, the veterinarian hourly pay stands at a median rate of $53.27, which is significantly lower than the national median of $66.03. This median figure reflects various employment settings, including general practice exam rooms, surgical suites, specialty hospitals, and even roles in the pharmaceutical industry. For part-time veterinarians working three days a week, this translates to a robust income, while per-diem positions can offer diverse experiences across different environments. The hourly rate ranges from $30.90 for entry-level positions to as high as $82.57 for those at the top of their game. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data and projected to 2026, provide a clear snapshot of what veterinarians in Hernando, MS can expect in terms of compensation based on their skills and experience.

About the Hernando Market

Salary estimated from Mississippi average ($90,000) adjusted for local cost of living.

Veterinarian Hourly Wage Breakdown

PercentileHourly RatePer 8hr Shift
Entry Level (P10)$30.90$247.18
Lower Range (P25)$43.13$345.05
Median (P50)$53.27$426.12
Upper Range (P75)$67.09$536.75
Top Earners (P90)$82.57$660.55

Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Hernando

Based on $53.27/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.

Horizontal bars showing a veterinarian in Hernando earning $53.27/hr would make approximately $63,919 part-time (24 hr/wk) or $110,792 full-time (40 hr/wk).Part-Time (24 hr/wk)$63,919Reduced (32 hr/wk)$85,225Full-Time (40 hr/wk)$110,792

At $53.27/hr, a veterinarian working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Hernando, MS can expect to earn approximately $110,792 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $63,919. With a cost-of-living index of 85.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Hernando.

Annual estimates assume 5052 working weeks per year. Actual earnings vary by employer, overtime, and benefits.

Hourly Rate Calculator

$426.12
per 8hr shift
$2,130.62
per week
$9,233
per month
$110,792
per year

Schedule Comparison in Hernando

ScheduleWeeklyMonthlyAnnual
Full-Time (40 hrs)$2,130.62$9,233$110,792
Part-Time (24 hrs)$1,278.37$5,540$66,475
Per Diem (16 hrs)$852.25$3,693$44,317

Compare DVM Wages With Similar Roles

RoleMedian Hourly
Veterinarian (Hernando)$53.27
Veterinary Technician (National Avg)$19.39
Physician (National Avg)$113.07
Dentist (National Avg)$87.53
Optometrist (National Avg)$64.22
Horizontal bar chart comparing veterinarian median salary in Hernando ($110,797) with Mississippi average ($117,744) and the US national median ($137,334).Hernando$110,797Mississippi Avg$117,744-5.90%US National$137,334-19.32%

Veterinarians in Hernando, MS earn a median of $110,797 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.32% lower than the national median of $137,334 and 5.90% below the Mississippi state average of $117,744.

Veterinarian Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living

Working 24h/week at $53.27/hr = $66,475/year (purchasing power: $77,568).

Working 40h/week (full-time) = $110,792/year (purchasing power: $129,279).

CoL index: 85.7 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.

2019 BLS Actual

$37.02/hr

2025 BLS Actual

$50.46/hr

2026 Current Est.

$53.27/hr

2019–2027 Growth

+51.9%

Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinarians in Hernando (20192027)

2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.56% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Hourly rate trajectory chart for veterinarians in Hernando. Baseline $37.02/hr in 2025, projected to $56.23/hr by 2027.$31$38$46$53$602019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$37.02$38.49$38.93$40.05$46.19$34.91$50.46$53.27$56.23
YearHourly RateStatus
2019$37.02/hrActual
2020$38.49/hrActual
2021$38.93/hrActual
2022$40.05/hrActual
2023$46.19/hrActual
2024$34.91/hrActual
2025$50.46/hrActual
2026(current)$53.27/hrEstimated
2027$56.23/hrProjected

Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinarians in Hernando grew 36.3% from $37.02/hr (2019) to $50.46/hr (2025). At a 5.56% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $56.23/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem veterinarians can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.

Note: Historical values (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hernando metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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 Hernando

When it comes to earning potential, part-time veterinarians working a 24-hour week could realistically expect to take home around $83,188 annually, significantly lower than their full-time counterparts. Per diem and relief veterinarians enjoy a wide range of billing rates, commonly ranging from $90 to $140 per hour for general practice, while those specializing in surgery or emergency care can command between $150 to $250 per hour. In Hernando, varying employer types influence pay scales: corporate chains offer steadiness but often lower hourly rates compared to independent practices, while specialty hospitals have the potential for higher pay but also demand specialized skills. Many veterinarians weigh the benefits of health insurance and job stability against the allure of higher hourly wages without benefits. Practical negotiation in this market requires understanding these dynamics, especially as corporate consolidation continues to reshape compensation structures in veterinary medicine.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hourly rate for veterinarians in Hernando in 2026?

The estimated 2026 median hourly rate for veterinarians in Hernando is $53.27/hour, based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 5.56% annual growth). Rates range from $30.90 at entry level (10th percentile) to $82.57 for experienced practitioners (90th percentile). This is 19.3% below the national average. Hourly pay varies based on practice type, patient volume, years of experience, and whether the position includes benefits.

How much do part-time veterinarians make in Hernando?

A part-time veterinarian working 3 days per week (24 hours) in Hernando earns approximately $5,540/month, or $66,475/year at the median hourly rate of $53.27. Many veterinarians prefer part-time schedules for work-life balance, and some work at multiple practices to maximize earnings. Part-time positions may not include benefits like health insurance or retirement contributions, but typically offer higher hourly rates to compensate.

Are veterinarians in Hernando paid hourly or salary?

The majority of veterinarians in Hernando are paid hourly at a median rate of $53.27/hour. Some full-time positions at larger practices or organizations offer salaried compensation around $110,792/year, often bundled with benefits including health insurance, paid time off, retirement plans, and continuing education allowances. Hourly pay gives flexibility, while salary positions provide income stability.

How much does a full-time veterinarian make per year in Hernando?

A full-time veterinarian working 40 hours per week (2,080 hours/year) in Hernando earns approximately $110,792/year at the median hourly rate of $53.27. This is 19.3% below the national median. Top earners working full-time can reach $171,744/year at the 90th percentile rate. Overtime and weekend shifts may further increase annual earnings.

Do veterinarians earn more per hour working part-time in Hernando?

Part-time and per diem veterinarians in Hernando sometimes command higher hourly rates — up to $82.57/hour — because practices need flexible coverage for specific days or peak hours. However, part-time positions typically do not include benefits like health insurance, paid time off, or retirement contributions. When factoring in the value of benefits, full-time salaried positions may offer comparable or better total compensation despite a slightly lower hourly rate.

Related Pages

Nearby Cities in Mississippi

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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.

Clinically reviewed by Dr. Samuel Patel, DVMData verified by Dr. Maria Gomez, DVM

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 Hernando. 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 Hernando is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).

View estimation methodology

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

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