Veterinarian Hourly Pay in Princeton, NJ: $77.90 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinarian working in Princeton, NJ runs $77.90 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $162,047 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1131). Weighted against Princeton's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $67.62 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $97,223 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Princeton, New Jersey, veterinarians earn a median hourly pay of $77.90, significantly higher than the national hourly median of $66.03. This favorable wage allows both full-time and part-time veterinarians to thrive financially, particularly for those working in diverse environments such as general practice exam rooms, surgical suites, or even specialized referral hospitals. For part-time veterinarians, who may average around 24 hours a week, this hourly rate can substantially contribute to their income, while per-diem workers can find lucrative opportunities. The hourly pay in Princeton ranges from $45.27 for entry-level positions to $120.76 for top earners, indicating a varied job market where skills and experience dictate compensation.
About the Princeton 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) | $45.27 | $362.20 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $60.82 | $486.59 |
| Median (P50) | $77.90 | $623.23 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $96.88 | $775.06 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $120.76 | $966.09 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Princeton
Based on $77.90/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $77.90/hr, a veterinarian working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Princeton, NJ can expect to earn approximately $162,039 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $93,484. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Princeton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Princeton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,116.13 | $13,503 | $162,039 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,869.68 | $8,102 | $97,223 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,246.45 | $5,401 | $64,816 |
Compare DVM Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinarian (Princeton) | $77.90 |
| Veterinary Technician (National Avg) | $19.39 |
| Physician (National Avg) | $113.07 |
| Dentist (National Avg) | $87.53 |
| Optometrist (National Avg) | $64.22 |
Veterinarians in Princeton, NJ earn a median of $162,047 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.99% higher than the national median of $137,334 and 2.40% above the New Jersey state average of $158,249.
Veterinarian Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $77.90/hr = $97,223/year (purchasing power: $84,395).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $162,039/year (purchasing power: $140,659).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$54.15/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$73.80/hr
2026 Current Est.
$77.90/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+51.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinarians in Princeton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.56% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $54.15/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $56.30/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $56.94/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $58.57/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $67.56/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $73.42/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $73.80/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $77.90/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $82.23/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinarians in Princeton grew 36.3% from $54.15/hr (2019) to $73.80/hr (2025). At a 5.56% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $82.23/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 Princeton 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 Princeton
When considering part-time positions, a veterinarian working three days a week can expect to earn around $96,800 annually, compared to a full-time colleague who might exceed $162,047 annually. The per diem and locum tenens segments of the profession are also notable; many relief veterinarians bill $90-$140 per hour in general practices, with specialists earning even more, sometimes generating $150-$250 per hour. There’s notable variation in the hourly rates across different types of practices in Princeton, with corporate chains often offering different compensation packages than independent clinics. Moreover, while some veterinarians opt for lower hourly wages in exchange for benefits, others may prioritize higher pay rates without additional perks. Negotiating effectively is crucial; professionals should consider the entire compensation package, including work-life balance, when evaluating their options in the evolving field shaped by corporate consolidation trends.
More salary data for Princeton, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinarians in Princeton 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 Princeton. 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 Princeton 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