Veterinarian Hourly Pay in East Orange, NJ: $77.11 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinarian working in East Orange, NJ runs $77.11 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $160,391 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1131). Weighted against East Orange's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $66.94 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $96,235 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

East Orange, NJ, offers a competitive veterinarian hourly pay that averages $77.11, significantly higher than the national hourly median of $66.03. This favorable rate of pay allows local veterinarians who work part-time or engage in per diem positions to earn a comfortable income while maintaining flexible schedules. Across various veterinary settings such as general practice exam rooms, surgical suites, and even specialty referral hospitals, the hourly rates can range from $44.73 for entry-level positions to as much as $119.53 for experienced professionals. As these figures are projected from annual salary data, they showcase a robust opportunity for veterinarians in East Orange to achieve financial stability, whether they’re working part-time three days a week or focusing on specialized or emergency care in different clinical environments.
About the East Orange Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($134,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Veterinarian Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $44.73 | $357.81 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $57.99 | $463.96 |
| Median (P50) | $77.11 | $616.89 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $97.63 | $781.06 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $119.53 | $956.20 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in East Orange
Based on $77.11/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $77.11/hr, a veterinarian working full-time (40 hr/wk) in East Orange, NJ can expect to earn approximately $160,392 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $92,534. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in East Orange.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in East Orange
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,084.46 | $13,366 | $160,392 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,850.68 | $8,020 | $96,235 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,233.79 | $5,346 | $64,157 |
Compare DVM Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinarian (East Orange) | $77.11 |
| Veterinary Technician (National Avg) | $19.39 |
| Physician (National Avg) | $113.07 |
| Dentist (National Avg) | $87.53 |
| Optometrist (National Avg) | $64.22 |
Veterinarians in East Orange, NJ earn a median of $160,391 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.79% higher than the national median of $137,334 and 1.40% above the New Jersey state average of $158,177.
Veterinarian Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $77.11/hr = $96,235/year (purchasing power: $83,538).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $160,392/year (purchasing power: $139,229).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$53.60/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$73.05/hr
2026 Current Est.
$77.11/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+51.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinarians in East Orange (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.56% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $53.60/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $55.73/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $56.36/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $57.98/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $66.87/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $75.24/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $73.05/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $77.11/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $81.40/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinarians in East Orange grew 36.3% from $53.60/hr (2019) to $73.05/hr (2025). At a 5.56% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $81.40/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 East Orange 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 East Orange
For those considering part-time opportunities, a veterinarian working three days a week (24 hours) can expect to earn approximately $44,000 annually, which is a substantial income compared to many other professions. Per diem veterinarians, frequently hired to fill gaps in staffing, typically charge between $90 and $140 an hour for general practice work; specialty relief veterinarians can earn a premium, with rates ranging from $150 to $250 an hour for complex cases. The hourly pay in East Orange diverges significantly based on the type of practice, reflecting the shift in the veterinary field due to corporate consolidation. Large corporate entities like VCA and NVA, which encompass around 25% of market share, often offer stability and benefits, albeit sometimes at the cost of flexibility. Independent practices may provide more variability in terms of hourly pay to attract talent, often relying on a production-based compensation model. It’s advisable for veterinarians to assess the benefits versus the pay rate carefully, particularly in terms of negotiating contracts, as hourly wages can fluctuate widely based on employer type and specific responsibilities within the role.
More salary data for East Orange, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinarians in East Orange 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 East Orange. 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 East Orange 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