Veterinarian Hourly Pay in Hamilton, NJ: $73.93 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinarian working in Hamilton, NJ runs $73.93 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $153,776 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1131). Weighted against Hamilton's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $64.18 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $92,270 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Hamilton, New Jersey, the veterinarian hourly pay stands at an impressive $73.93, significantly surpassing the national hourly median of $66.03. This strong earning potential creates viable opportunities for part-time and per-diem veterinarians working in various settings, including general practice exam rooms and specialty referral hospitals. For those working part-time—say, three days a week—this rate translates to a substantial income, while per-diem veterinarians often earn even more by working flexible shifts in diverse environments such as equine visits, university clinics, or USDA inspection sites. The hourly pay range reflects a spectrum from $43.01 at the lower end (P10) to $114.60 for top earners (P90), demonstrating the capacity for growth in this profession within the local market.
About the Hamilton 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) | $43.01 | $344.04 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $57.91 | $463.28 |
| Median (P50) | $73.93 | $591.47 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $94.35 | $754.80 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $114.60 | $916.77 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Hamilton
Based on $73.93/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $73.93/hr, a veterinarian working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Hamilton, NJ can expect to earn approximately $153,783 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $88,721. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Hamilton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Hamilton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,957.37 | $12,815 | $153,783 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,774.42 | $7,689 | $92,270 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,182.95 | $5,126 | $61,513 |
Compare DVM Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinarian (Hamilton) | $73.93 |
| Veterinary Technician (National Avg) | $19.39 |
| Physician (National Avg) | $113.07 |
| Dentist (National Avg) | $87.53 |
| Optometrist (National Avg) | $64.22 |
Veterinarians in Hamilton, NJ earn a median of $153,776 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.97% higher than the national median of $137,334 and 2.80% below the New Jersey state average of $158,205.
Veterinarian Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $73.93/hr = $92,270/year (purchasing power: $80,095).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $153,783/year (purchasing power: $133,492).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$51.39/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$70.04/hr
2026 Current Est.
$73.93/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+51.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinarians in Hamilton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.56% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $51.39/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $53.43/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $54.03/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $55.59/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $64.12/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $72.14/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $70.04/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $73.93/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $78.04/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinarians in Hamilton grew 36.3% from $51.39/hr (2019) to $70.04/hr (2025). At a 5.56% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $78.04/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 Hamilton 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 Hamilton
Considering the part-time aspect more closely, a veterinarian in Hamilton working 24 hours a week at the median rate could realize an annual income of approximately $92,200, which still positions them comfortably within the profession. Per diem and locum veterinarians, meanwhile, often charge higher rates; general practitioners can command between $90 and $140 per hour, while specialists may earn even more with rates ranging from $150 to $250 per hour. Different employer types also affect hourly pay—corporate veterinary chains often have standardized pay scales that vary from independent practices, while large animal or equine practices might offer different compensation levels. Although veterinarians in Hamilton might opt for lower hourly rates in exchange for comprehensive benefits, those seeking higher wages without benefits might maximize their earnings by working at various practices. When negotiating pay, it’s advantageous to understand the local market dynamics and to prepare to advocate effectively for compensation that reflects both skills and the current demand for veterinary services in NJ.
More salary data for Hamilton, NJ:
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 Hamilton. 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 Hamilton 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