Veterinarian Hourly Pay in Charlotte, NC: $65.51 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinarian working in Charlotte, NC runs $65.51 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $136,257 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1131). Weighted against Charlotte's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.3, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $67.30 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $81,757 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Charlotte, North Carolina, the veterinarian hourly pay stands at a median rate of $65.51, placing it slightly below the national median of $66.03. This competitive compensation provides a solid foundation for those in various working arrangements. For part-time veterinarians, such as those working three days a week, this hourly rate translates to a substantial income, allowing them to pursue their passion while maintaining flexibility. Additionally, per-diem veterinarians can expect to earn anywhere from $40.06 to $108.79 per hour, depending on their experience and the specific demands of their roles. These professionals may work in various settings, including general practice exam rooms, surgical suites, and specialty referral hospitals, highlighting the adaptability of veterinary careers in Charlotte.
Veterinarian Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $40.06 | $320.48 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50.28 | $402.23 |
| Median (P50) | $65.51 | $524.08 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $84.14 | $673.14 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $108.79 | $870.32 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Charlotte
Based on $65.51/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $65.51/hr, a veterinarian working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Charlotte, NC can expect to earn approximately $136,262 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $78,613. With a cost-of-living index of 97.35 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Charlotte.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Charlotte
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,620.42 | $11,355 | $136,262 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,572.25 | $6,813 | $81,757 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,048.17 | $4,542 | $54,505 |
Compare DVM Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinarian (Charlotte) | $65.51 |
| Veterinary Technician (National Avg) | $19.39 |
| Physician (National Avg) | $113.07 |
| Dentist (National Avg) | $87.53 |
| Optometrist (National Avg) | $64.22 |
Veterinarians in Charlotte, NC earn a median of $136,257 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.78% lower than the national median of $137,334.
Veterinarian Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $65.51/hr = $81,757/year (purchasing power: $83,984).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $136,262/year (purchasing power: $139,974).
CoL index: 97.348 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$50.46/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$62.06/hr
2026 Current Est.
$65.51/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+37.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinarians in Charlotte (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.56% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $50.46/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $51.45/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $49.42/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $53.76/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $62.27/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $58.86/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $62.06/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65.51/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $69.15/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinarians in Charlotte grew 23.0% from $50.46/hr (2019) to $62.06/hr (2025). At a 5.56% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $69.15/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 Charlotte 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 Charlotte
For those considering part-time or per-diem work, the financial landscape can be particularly favorable. A veterinarian working 24 hours a week could potentially earn $81,913 annually, significantly less than their full-time counterparts but allowing for a balanced lifestyle outside of work. Per-diem veterinarians in Charlotte frequently find themselves in high-demand roles; relief veterinarians often bill between $90 and $140 per hour, while specialty roles can reach $150 to $250 per hour. This variation in pay often depends on the nature of the employer, with corporate chains typically offering different compensation structures compared to independent practices. While some veterinarians may opt for lower hourly rates with comprehensive benefits from companies like VCA or BluePearl, others might prefer higher pay without benefits, favoring negotiation skills that leverage market demand in Charlotte’s veterinary field. Understanding these dynamics can provide valuable insights for both novice and experienced veterinarians navigating compensation in this evolving industry.
More salary data for Charlotte, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Pages
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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 Charlotte. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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