Veterinarian Hourly Pay in Elko, NV: $60.73 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinarian working in Elko, NV runs $60.73 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $126,315 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1131). Weighted against Elko's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.3, 2% below national), each hour of work buys what $61.78 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $75,789 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Elko, NV, the veterinarian hourly pay reflects both local demand and broader industry trends, with a median rate projected at $60.73 for 2026. This figure is slightly below the national hourly median of $66.03. For veterinarians working part-time, typically three days a week in various settings—such as general practice exam rooms, surgical suites, or equine ambulatory visits—this hourly rate translates into an annual earnings potential that hinges on their workload. Entry-level veterinarians in Elko can expect an hourly pay around $38.78, while experienced professionals or those in specialized fields may earn up to $92.02 per hour. These rates, derived from annual salary estimates, provide a snapshot of the financial landscape that practitioners can navigate in their careers.
About the Elko Market
Salary estimated from Nevada average ($124,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Veterinarian Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38.78 | $310.26 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50.09 | $400.71 |
| Median (P50) | $60.73 | $485.83 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $73.82 | $590.54 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $92.02 | $736.13 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Elko
Based on $60.73/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $60.73/hr, a veterinarian working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Elko, NV can expect to earn approximately $126,316 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $72,874. With a cost-of-living index of 98.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Elko.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Elko
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,429.15 | $10,526 | $126,316 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,457.49 | $6,316 | $75,789 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $971.66 | $4,211 | $50,526 |
Compare DVM Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinarian (Elko) | $60.73 |
| Veterinary Technician (National Avg) | $19.39 |
| Physician (National Avg) | $113.07 |
| Dentist (National Avg) | $87.53 |
| Optometrist (National Avg) | $64.22 |
Veterinarians in Elko, NV earn a median of $126,315 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.02% lower than the national median of $137,334 and 6.40% below the Nevada state average of $134,952.
Veterinarian Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $60.73/hr = $75,789/year (purchasing power: $77,100).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $126,316/year (purchasing power: $128,500).
CoL index: 98.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$42.21/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$57.53/hr
2026 Current Est.
$60.73/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+51.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinarians in Elko (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.56% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42.21/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $43.89/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $44.38/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $45.66/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $52.67/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $54.83/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $57.53/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $60.73/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $64.11/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinarians in Elko grew 36.3% from $42.21/hr (2019) to $57.53/hr (2025). At a 5.56% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $64.11/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 Elko 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 Elko
The financial experience of veterinarians in Elko varies significantly based on their employment situation. A part-time veterinarian working 24 hours a week would take home considerably less than their full-time counterparts, emphasizing the importance of scheduling in this profession. Those opting for per diem or locum tenens work often enjoy higher hourly compensation, with bills ranging from $90 to $140 for general practices and specialty roles fetching $150-$250 per hour. Pay varies by employer type, with corporate veterinary chains offering different compensation structures compared to independent practices or emergency clinics. For many veterinarians, a balance exists between seeking higher pay and the benefits of health insurance provided in corporate environments. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for successful negotiation; approaching discussions with a clear sense of market rates allows practitioners to better position themselves for equitable pay based on their skills and experience in the evolving market of Elko, NV.
More salary data for Elko, NV:
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 Elko. 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 Elko 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