Veterinarian Hourly Pay in New Bern, NC: $64.24 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinarian working in New Bern, NC runs $64.24 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $133,623 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1131). Weighted against New Bern's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $68.64 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $80,176 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In New Bern, North Carolina, the veterinarian hourly pay stands at $64.24, which is slightly below the national hourly median of $66.03. This figure presents a feasible option for part-time veterinarians working three days a week, as it allows for a decent income for those balancing personal commitments or pursuing dual careers. Additionally, hourly rates for veterinarians in New Bern range from $37.26 for entry-level positions to approximately $99.57 for top earners, indicating that there are ample opportunities to grow within the field. These numbers are derived from annual salary data, translating to a variety of work environments. Veterinarians typically operate in settings such as general practice exam rooms, surgical suites, and even specialty referral hospitals, where hourly compensation can vary based on specific roles and responsibilities.
About the New Bern Market
Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($112,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Veterinarian Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37.26 | $298.10 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $49.47 | $395.72 |
| Median (P50) | $64.24 | $513.95 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $80.51 | $644.08 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $99.57 | $796.60 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in New Bern
Based on $64.24/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $64.24/hr, a veterinarian working full-time (40 hr/wk) in New Bern, NC can expect to earn approximately $133,627 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $77,093. With a cost-of-living index of 93.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in New Bern.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in New Bern
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,569.75 | $11,136 | $133,627 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,541.85 | $6,681 | $80,176 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,027.90 | $4,454 | $53,451 |
Compare DVM Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinarian (New Bern) | $64.24 |
| Veterinary Technician (National Avg) | $19.39 |
| Physician (National Avg) | $113.07 |
| Dentist (National Avg) | $87.53 |
| Optometrist (National Avg) | $64.22 |
Veterinarians in New Bern, NC earn a median of $133,623 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.70% lower than the national median of $137,334 and 1.90% below the North Carolina state average of $136,211.
Veterinarian Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $64.24/hr = $80,176/year (purchasing power: $85,658).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $133,627/year (purchasing power: $142,764).
CoL index: 93.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$44.66/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$60.86/hr
2026 Current Est.
$64.24/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+51.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinarians in New Bern (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.56% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44.66/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $46.43/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $46.95/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $48.30/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $55.71/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $49.43/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $60.86/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $64.24/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67.82/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinarians in New Bern grew 36.3% from $44.66/hr (2019) to $60.86/hr (2025). At a 5.56% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $67.82/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 New Bern 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 New Bern
While full-time veterinarians can expect stable salaries, those considering a part-time or per-diem path could see different financial outcomes. A veterinarian working 24 hours a week may take home significantly less than a full-time counterpart, especially when comparing the income potential to relief work. Per diem veterinarians often charge between $90 to $140 per hour in general practices, with specialty relief roles, including those needing advanced surgical or emergency care, commanding upwards of $150 to $250 per hour. Hourly rates in New Bern also fluctuate based on the type of employer, distinguishing between corporate chains, independent clinics, and specialized practices. This variety can help veterinarians negotiate the benefits they seek, as some may prefer higher hourly rates without health insurance or retirement options, while others may opt for lower hourly pay in exchange for added stability. Understanding these nuances is crucial for veterinarians in New Bern looking to align their financial goals with their professional aspirations.
More salary data for New Bern, 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 New Bern. 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 New Bern 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