Veterinarian Hourly Pay in Cortland, NY: $59.60 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinarian working in Cortland, NY runs $59.60 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $123,966 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1131). Weighted against Cortland's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.9, 16% above national), each hour of work buys what $51.42 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $74,380 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Cortland, NY, the veterinarian hourly pay is projected to be $59.60 in 2026, which is notably lower than the national median of $66.03. This wage offers a viable income for veterinarians working in a variety of settings, including general practice exam rooms, surgical suites, and specialty hospitals. For those considering part-time work—such as a three-day workweek—this rate translates to approximately $3,077 for a 24-hour week. The hourly range for veterinarians here spans from $36.71 at the lower end for entry-level positions to $92.09 for high-earning professionals, reflecting a diverse scope of expertise across small animal clinics, large animal practices, and university teaching hospitals. Keep in mind these hourly rates are derived from broader annual salary data and can be influenced by specific workplace environments and experience levels.
About the Cortland Market
Salary estimated from New York average ($134,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Veterinarian Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $36.71 | $293.71 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $47.99 | $383.90 |
| Median (P50) | $59.60 | $476.79 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $74.81 | $598.48 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $92.09 | $736.72 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Cortland
Based on $59.60/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $59.60/hr, a veterinarian working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Cortland, NY can expect to earn approximately $123,966 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $71,519. With a cost-of-living index of 115.90 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Cortland.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Cortland
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,383.97 | $10,331 | $123,966 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,430.38 | $6,198 | $74,380 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $953.59 | $4,132 | $49,587 |
Compare DVM Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinarian (Cortland) | $59.60 |
| Veterinary Technician (National Avg) | $19.39 |
| Physician (National Avg) | $113.07 |
| Dentist (National Avg) | $87.53 |
| Optometrist (National Avg) | $64.22 |
Veterinarians in Cortland, NY earn a median of $123,966 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.73% lower than the national median of $137,334 and 7.90% below the New York state average of $134,600.
Veterinarian Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $59.60/hr = $74,380/year (purchasing power: $64,176).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $123,966/year (purchasing power: $106,960).
CoL index: 115.9 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$41.43/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$56.46/hr
2026 Current Est.
$59.60/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+51.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinarians in Cortland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.56% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $41.43/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $43.07/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $43.56/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $44.81/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $51.69/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $68.75/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $56.46/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $59.60/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $62.91/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinarians in Cortland grew 36.3% from $41.43/hr (2019) to $56.46/hr (2025). At a 5.56% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $62.91/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 Cortland 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 Cortland
As the veterinary profession continues to evolve in Cortland, the part-time earning potential for veterinarians operating three days a week becomes evident. Whereas full-time veterinarians may expect to earn significantly more, a part-timer might bring home around $128,000 annually. Per diem veterinarian pay in Cortland varies widely, with relief veterinarians often billing between $90 and $140 per hour for general practices, whereas more specialized relief roles can fetch between $150 and $250 per hour. Hourly compensation can significantly differ among employer types; veterinarians in corporate chains or specialty referral hospitals might see lower rates compared to independent clinics or those in equine practices. Additionally, some may choose to accept lower hourly pay in exchange for health insurance benefits, which can be a key negotiation point when considering job offers. Veterinarians should keep these factors in mind when entering discussions about pay rates and consider the trade-offs between compensation and benefits in the niche of veterinarian hourly pay in Cortland, NY.
More salary data for Cortland, NY:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinarians in Cortland 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 Cortland. 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 Cortland 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