Veterinarian Hourly Pay in Liberty, MO: $51.38 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinarian working in Liberty, MO runs $51.38 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $106,857 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1131). Weighted against Liberty's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.6, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $57.34 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $64,117 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Liberty, MO, veterinarians earn a median hourly pay of $51.38, which lags significantly behind the national median of $66.03. This disparity may affect part-time and per-diem veterinarians who work in various settings such as general practice exam rooms, surgical suites, and ambulatory services. For a veterinarian working three days per week, their income will include a reliable hourly rate while allowing flexibility in work-life balance. The range for hourly pay varies widely; entry-level positions start at approximately $29.80, while experienced veterinarians can command rates as high as $79.63. These estimates derive from annual salary data projected for 2026, underscoring the financial considerations for those entering the field in this area.
About the Liberty Market
Salary estimated from Missouri average ($106,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Veterinarian Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $29.80 | $238.40 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39.87 | $318.96 |
| Median (P50) | $51.38 | $411.01 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $63.58 | $508.63 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $79.63 | $637.08 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Liberty
Based on $51.38/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $51.38/hr, a veterinarian working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Liberty, MO can expect to earn approximately $106,862 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $61,651. With a cost-of-living index of 89.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Liberty.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Liberty
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,055.04 | $8,905 | $106,862 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,233.03 | $5,343 | $64,117 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $822.02 | $3,562 | $42,745 |
Compare DVM Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinarian (Liberty) | $51.38 |
| Veterinary Technician (National Avg) | $19.39 |
| Physician (National Avg) | $113.07 |
| Dentist (National Avg) | $87.53 |
| Optometrist (National Avg) | $64.22 |
Veterinarians in Liberty, MO earn a median of $106,857 per year (2026 est.), which is 22.19% lower than the national median of $137,334 and 1.50% below the Missouri state average of $108,485.
Veterinarian Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $51.38/hr = $64,117/year (purchasing power: $71,560).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $106,862/year (purchasing power: $119,266).
CoL index: 89.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$35.71/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$48.67/hr
2026 Current Est.
$51.38/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+51.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinarians in Liberty (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.56% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $35.71/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $37.13/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $37.55/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $38.63/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $44.55/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $45.00/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $48.67/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $51.38/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $54.23/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinarians in Liberty grew 36.3% from $35.71/hr (2019) to $48.67/hr (2025). At a 5.56% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $54.23/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 Liberty 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 Liberty
Part-time veterinarians in Liberty can expect to take home significantly different annual earnings compared to full-time practitioners. A veterinarian working 24 hours a week at the median hourly rate would earn around $53,664 annually, a stark contrast to a full-time vet’s potential earnings. Per diem veterinarian pay in Liberty can be lucrative, as relief veterinarians often charge between $90 and $140 per hour in general practices, with specialty roles commanding even higher rates ranging from $150 to $250 per hour. The variation in hourly rates primarily arises from employer type; corporate veterinary chains may offer lower rates compared to independent practices, but often come with additional benefits such as health insurance. This trade-off makes negotiation critical, as some veterinarians might prioritize financial stability and benefits over a higher hourly rate. For those navigating the job market, understanding these dynamics specific to Liberty, MO, can empower them in their career decisions.
More salary data for Liberty, 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 Liberty. 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 Liberty 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