Veterinarian Hourly Pay in Westfield, NJ: $74.01 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinarian working in Westfield, NJ runs $74.01 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $153,935 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1131). Weighted against Westfield's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $64.24 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $92,362 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Westfield, NJ, veterinarians earn a median hourly rate of $74.01, significantly outperforming the national median of $66.03. This competitive pay reflects the high demand for veterinary services in the area. For those choosing part-time employment, such as working three days a week, the hourly rate offers a stable income while balancing personal commitments. Per-diem veterinarians, who offer their expertise on an as-needed basis, benefit from this robust hourly structure, especially within varied settings like surgical suites and specialty hospitals. Hourly earnings range from $42.92 for entry-level positions to $114.71 for top earners, showcasing diverse opportunities within the profession from general practice to specialized care.
About the Westfield 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) | $42.92 | $343.37 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $60.78 | $486.25 |
| Median (P50) | $74.01 | $592.06 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $92.05 | $736.39 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $114.71 | $917.70 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Westfield
Based on $74.01/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $74.01/hr, a veterinarian working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Westfield, NJ can expect to earn approximately $153,937 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $88,810. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Westfield.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Westfield
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,960.32 | $12,828 | $153,937 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,776.19 | $7,697 | $92,362 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,184.13 | $5,131 | $61,575 |
Compare DVM Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinarian (Westfield) | $74.01 |
| Veterinary Technician (National Avg) | $19.39 |
| Physician (National Avg) | $113.07 |
| Dentist (National Avg) | $87.53 |
| Optometrist (National Avg) | $64.22 |
Veterinarians in Westfield, NJ earn a median of $153,935 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.09% higher than the national median of $137,334 and 2.70% below the New Jersey state average of $158,207.
Veterinarian Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $74.01/hr = $92,362/year (purchasing power: $80,175).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $153,937/year (purchasing power: $133,626).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$51.44/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$70.11/hr
2026 Current Est.
$74.01/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+51.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinarians in Westfield (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.56% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $51.44/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $53.49/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $54.09/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $55.65/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $64.18/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $72.21/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $70.11/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $74.01/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $78.12/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinarians in Westfield grew 36.3% from $51.44/hr (2019) to $70.11/hr (2025). At a 5.56% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $78.12/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 Westfield 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 Westfield
Evaluating the earning potential for a part-time veterinarian, working approximately 24 hours a week could result in a take-home pay of around $92,000 annually, potentially appealing compared to full-time schedules. However, relief veterinarians often have higher earning capabilities, billing anywhere from $90 to $140 per hour in general practices, while specialized locum positions in surgery or emergency care can command rates ranging from $150 to $250 per hour. In Westfield, employer type influences hourly compensation, with corporate chains offering structured pay scales, but independent practices may offer more flexibility or higher hourly rates without the same health benefits. It is crucial for veterinarians negotiating hourly pay to consider job security and benefits, as well as the implications of the corporate consolidation trend in veterinary medicine, which has altered pay scales and partnership opportunities.
More salary data for Westfield, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinarians in Westfield in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinarians make in Westfield?
Are veterinarians in Westfield paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinarian make per year in Westfield?
Do veterinarians earn more per hour working part-time in Westfield?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in New Jersey
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 Westfield. 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 Westfield 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