Veterinarian Hourly Pay in Joplin, MO: $52.13 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinarian working in Joplin, MO runs $52.13 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $108,410 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1131). Weighted against Joplin's regional price level (BEA RPP 85.7, 14% below national), each hour of work buys what $60.81 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $65,053 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Joplin, Missouri, the veterinarian hourly pay stands at $52.13, well below the national median hourly rate of $66.03. This median rate offers a competitive yet nuanced outlook for part-time positions and per-diem workers. For those working 3 days a week, this translates into significant take-home pay while allowing for a balanced lifestyle. The range of hourly pay for veterinarians in Joplin runs from $30.03 for entry-level roles to approximately $106.15 for experienced, top-earning veterinarians. With environments varying from general practice exam rooms to specialized surgical suites and equine ambulatory services, the actual pay reflects both the complexity of the role and the demand for veterinary services in the area. These figures derive from estimates based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026.
Veterinarian Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $30.03 | $240.25 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $44.97 | $359.75 |
| Median (P50) | $52.13 | $417.00 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $68.52 | $548.15 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $106.15 | $849.21 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Joplin
Based on $52.13/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $52.13/hr, a veterinarian working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Joplin, MO can expect to earn approximately $108,421 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $62,551. With a cost-of-living index of 85.72 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Joplin.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Joplin
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,085.02 | $9,035 | $108,421 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,251.01 | $5,421 | $65,053 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $834.01 | $3,614 | $43,368 |
Compare DVM Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinarian (Joplin) | $52.13 |
| Veterinary Technician (National Avg) | $19.39 |
| Physician (National Avg) | $113.07 |
| Dentist (National Avg) | $87.53 |
| Optometrist (National Avg) | $64.22 |
Veterinarians in Joplin, MO earn a median of $108,410 per year (2026 est.), which is 21.06% lower than the national median of $137,334.
Veterinarian Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $52.13/hr = $65,053/year (purchasing power: $75,891).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $108,421/year (purchasing power: $126,486).
CoL index: 85.718 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$45.01/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$49.38/hr
2026 Current Est.
$52.13/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinarians in Joplin (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.56% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45.01/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $43.85/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $38.06/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $41.75/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $48.28/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $50.33/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $49.38/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $52.13/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $55.02/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinarians in Joplin grew 9.7% from $45.01/hr (2019) to $49.38/hr (2025). At a 5.56% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $55.02/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 Joplin 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 Joplin
In terms of earning potential, veterinarians working part-time in Joplin can expect a significantly different annual income compared to their full-time colleagues, particularly when working just 24 hours per week. The hourly figures for per diem veterinarians can vary widely, with many able to command rates of $90 to $140/hr in general practices, while those in specialties may charge upwards of $150 to $250/hr. This divergence creates opportunities for veterinarians to optimize their earnings based on employment settings, whether in corporate chains such as VCA or BluePearl, or independent practices. While corporate roles may offer lower hourly rates, they often include valuable benefits like health insurance, presenting a trade-off for many within the profession. For those negotiating their hourly rates, it’s essential to consider local market dynamics and the potential for additional care responsibilities that can enhance earnings while maintaining a satisfying work-life balance in the evolving landscape of the veterinary field in Joplin.
More salary data for Joplin, MO:
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 Joplin. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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