Veterinarian Hourly Pay in Gallup, NM: $57.95 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinarian working in Gallup, NM runs $57.95 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $120,533 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1131). Weighted against Gallup's regional price level (BEA RPP 94.4, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $61.39 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $72,325 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Veterinarians in Gallup, NM, can expect a median hourly pay of $57.95. This figure rests below the national hourly median of $66.03, reflecting the unique economic landscape of the region. For those working part-time, such as three days a week, this hourly rate translates to a consistent income while allowing flexibility in their schedules. Veterinarians might find themselves in various settings, including general practice exam rooms, surgical suites, and specialty referral hospitals. Moreover, the hourly rate in Gallup spans from $36.64 for entry-level positions to $89.82 for experienced veterinarians, suggesting a wide range of financial possibilities based on experience and practice type.
About the Gallup Market
Salary estimated from New Mexico average ($106,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Veterinarian Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $36.64 | $293.12 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $47.33 | $378.66 |
| Median (P50) | $57.95 | $463.62 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $73.39 | $587.08 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $89.82 | $718.57 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Gallup
Based on $57.95/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $57.95/hr, a veterinarian working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Gallup, NM can expect to earn approximately $120,541 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $69,543. With a cost-of-living index of 94.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Gallup.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Gallup
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,318.10 | $10,045 | $120,541 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,390.86 | $6,027 | $72,325 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $927.24 | $4,018 | $48,216 |
Compare DVM Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinarian (Gallup) | $57.95 |
| Veterinary Technician (National Avg) | $19.39 |
| Physician (National Avg) | $113.07 |
| Dentist (National Avg) | $87.53 |
| Optometrist (National Avg) | $64.22 |
Veterinarians in Gallup, NM earn a median of $120,533 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.23% lower than the national median of $137,334 and 7.00% below the New Mexico state average of $129,605.
Veterinarian Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $57.95/hr = $72,325/year (purchasing power: $76,615).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $120,541/year (purchasing power: $127,692).
CoL index: 94.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$40.28/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$54.90/hr
2026 Current Est.
$57.95/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+51.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinarians in Gallup (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.56% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $40.28/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $41.88/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $42.35/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $43.57/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $50.26/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $44.73/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $54.90/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $57.95/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $61.17/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinarians in Gallup grew 36.3% from $40.28/hr (2019) to $54.90/hr (2025). At a 5.56% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $61.17/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 Gallup 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 Gallup
When considering the earning potential for those working 24 hours per week, a part-time veterinarian could bring home a substantial sum annually, although it would be considerably less than their full-time counterparts based on full-time hours. Many veterinarians in Gallup might engage in per-diem work, where locum veterinarians typically charge from $90 to $140 per hour at general practices. Those specializing in surgery or emergency and critical care can command rates ranging from $150 to $250 per hour, particularly during peak demand periods like weekends. Whereas corporate practices may offer lower hourly wages with the trade-off of health benefits, independent clinics often provide more flexibility through negotiated rates. The overall compensation dynamics, including variations across employer types — from corporate chains like VCA to independent practices and specialty referral hospitals — play a significant role in determining the veterinarian hourly pay in Gallup, NM. Effective negotiation strategies can lead to better compensation or additional benefits, which remains a crucial skill in today's competitive market.
More salary data for Gallup, NM:
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 Gallup. 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 Gallup 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