Veterinarian Hourly Pay in University City, MO: $51.40 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinarian working in University City, MO runs $51.40 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $106,899 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1131). Weighted against University City's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.6, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $57.36 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $64,144 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In University City, MO, veterinarians earn a median hourly rate of $51.40, which is noticeably lower than the national median of $66.03. This discrepancy can influence various work arrangements, particularly for those in part-time roles or seeking per-diem opportunities. For a veterinarian working three days a week, the hourly pay translates into consistent income while allowing flexibility across diverse settings such as general practice clinics and specialty hospitals. The estimated hourly range spans from $29.81 for entry-level positions to $79.66 for top earners, reflecting the varying demand and competencies required in different veterinary sectors. This range indicates a robust job market for veterinarians in University City, where those willing to commit part-time or per-diem hours can still find rewarding opportunities.
About the University City 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) | $29.81 | $238.48 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39.90 | $319.21 |
| Median (P50) | $51.40 | $411.18 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $64.75 | $518.00 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $79.66 | $637.24 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in University City
Based on $51.40/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $51.40/hr, a veterinarian working full-time (40 hr/wk) in University City, MO can expect to earn approximately $106,906 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $61,677. With a cost-of-living index of 89.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in University City.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in University City
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,055.89 | $8,909 | $106,906 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,233.53 | $5,345 | $64,144 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $822.35 | $3,564 | $42,762 |
Compare DVM Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinarian (University City) | $51.40 |
| Veterinary Technician (National Avg) | $19.39 |
| Physician (National Avg) | $113.07 |
| Dentist (National Avg) | $87.53 |
| Optometrist (National Avg) | $64.22 |
Veterinarians in University City, MO earn a median of $106,899 per year (2026 est.), which is 22.16% lower than the national median of $137,334 and 1.40% below the Missouri state average of $108,416.
Veterinarian Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $51.40/hr = $64,144/year (purchasing power: $71,589).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $106,906/year (purchasing power: $119,315).
CoL index: 89.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$35.73/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$48.69/hr
2026 Current Est.
$51.40/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+51.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinarians in University City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.56% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $35.73/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $37.14/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $37.56/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $38.65/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $44.57/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $45.02/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $48.69/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $51.40/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $54.25/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinarians in University City grew 36.3% from $35.73/hr (2019) to $48.69/hr (2025). At a 5.56% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $54.25/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 University City 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 University City
For a veterinarian working part-time at 24 hours per week, the annual earnings contrast starkly with full-time colleagues. While the exact take-home pay can depend on additional benefits, the market's reality shows that relief or locum veterinarians frequently charge between $90-$140 per hour in general practices, with specialty fields such as surgery fetching rates of $150-$250 per hour. Moreover, weekend emergency coverage at understaffed clinics can command $150-$200 per hour. Employment types also impact rates significantly; those in corporate chains, such as VCA or BluePearl, may receive more structured salaries, often with benefits, compared to independent practices that might offer higher hourly rates without the same fringe benefits. Understanding these dynamics can empower veterinarians in University City to negotiate effectively, balancing hourly rates with the advantages of benefits packages per employer type in this evolving field.
More salary data for University City, MO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinarians in University City in 2026?
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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 University City. 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 University City 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