Veterinarian Hourly Pay in Rochester, NH: $68.19 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinarian working in Rochester, NH runs $68.19 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $141,846 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1131). Weighted against Rochester's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.3, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $63.55 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $85,103 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Rochester, NH, veterinarians are projected to earn a median hourly pay of $68.19 in 2026, which slightly exceeds the national median of $66.03. This rate is significant for both part-time and per-diem veterinarians, allowing those working three days a week to take home a reasonable pay for their time while maintaining a flexible schedule. For practitioners engaged in various settings—from general practice exam rooms and surgical suites to specialty referral hospitals and equine ambulatory services—the hourly earnings range considerably. Entry-level veterinarians can expect to start at approximately $42.15 per hour, while top earners within this market could see rates as high as $105.71, reflecting significant variations in responsibilities and the types of services rendered.
About the Rochester Market
Salary estimated from New Hampshire average ($124,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Veterinarian Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $42.15 | $337.20 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $55.11 | $440.90 |
| Median (P50) | $68.19 | $545.53 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $86.52 | $692.14 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $105.71 | $845.66 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Rochester
Based on $68.19/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $68.19/hr, a veterinarian working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Rochester, NH can expect to earn approximately $141,839 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $81,830. With a cost-of-living index of 107.30 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Rochester.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Rochester
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,727.67 | $11,820 | $141,839 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,636.60 | $7,092 | $85,103 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,091.07 | $4,728 | $56,736 |
Compare DVM Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinarian (Rochester) | $68.19 |
| Veterinary Technician (National Avg) | $19.39 |
| Physician (National Avg) | $113.07 |
| Dentist (National Avg) | $87.53 |
| Optometrist (National Avg) | $64.22 |
Veterinarians in Rochester, NH earn a median of $141,846 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.29% higher than the national median of $137,334 and 3.70% below the New Hampshire state average of $147,296.
Veterinarian Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $68.19/hr = $85,103/year (purchasing power: $79,313).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $141,839/year (purchasing power: $132,189).
CoL index: 107.3 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$47.40/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$64.60/hr
2026 Current Est.
$68.19/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+51.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinarians in Rochester (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.56% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $47.40/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $49.28/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $49.84/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $51.27/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $59.14/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $61.57/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $64.60/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $68.19/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $71.98/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinarians in Rochester grew 36.3% from $47.40/hr (2019) to $64.60/hr (2025). At a 5.56% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $71.98/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 Rochester 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 Rochester
Many veterinarians in Rochester choose part-time work, yielding approximately $84,000 annually for those on a three-day schedule, compared to full-time salaries. For those in per-diem roles, hourly billing rates fluctuate significantly; while general practice relief veterinarians typically build at $90 to $140 per hour, specialty clinicians may command fees upwards of $150 to $250 per hour, particularly for critical emergency coverage. Earnings can vary by employer type in the area, such as large animal practices or corporate groups like VCA and BluePearl, which represent a significant portion of the market. Some veterinarians opt for positions with lower hourly wages to secure benefits like health insurance, compared to independent practices where the hourly might be higher but without benefits. Effective negotiation strategies are essential, as emphasizing specialized skills and the growing demand for veterinary services can lead to better pay rates in Rochester's evolving veterinary environment.
More salary data for Rochester, NH:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinarians in Rochester in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinarians make in Rochester?
Are veterinarians in Rochester paid hourly or salary?
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Related Pages
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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 Rochester. 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 Rochester 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