Veterinarian Hourly Pay in Raleigh, NC: $66.15 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinarian working in Raleigh, NC runs $66.15 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $137,597 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1131). Weighted against Raleigh's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.2, 2% below national), each hour of work buys what $67.40 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $82,561 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, the veterinarian hourly pay in Raleigh, North Carolina is projected to be $66.15, which is slightly above the national hourly median of $66.03. This competitive hourly rate provides a viable earning potential for both full-time and part-time veterinarians, particularly those working in various environments, including general practice exam rooms, surgical suites, and specialty referral hospitals. For part-time workers, typically operating around three days a week, this hourly rate translates to a steady income while allowing flexibility in work-life balance. Entry-level positions may start at approximately $40.51, while top earners can make as much as $108.58 per hour, reflecting the diverse landscape of services offered by veterinarians in Raleigh’s unique practice settings. Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics provides these insights, offering a comprehensive look into the hourly pay structure in the profession.
Veterinarian Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $40.51 | $324.11 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51.79 | $414.30 |
| Median (P50) | $66.15 | $529.24 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $83.91 | $671.28 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $108.58 | $868.63 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Raleigh
Based on $66.15/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $66.15/hr, a veterinarian working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Raleigh, NC can expect to earn approximately $137,601 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $79,385. With a cost-of-living index of 98.16 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Raleigh.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Raleigh
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,646.18 | $11,467 | $137,601 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,587.71 | $6,880 | $82,561 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,058.47 | $4,587 | $55,041 |
Compare DVM Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinarian (Raleigh) | $66.15 |
| Veterinary Technician (National Avg) | $19.39 |
| Physician (National Avg) | $113.07 |
| Dentist (National Avg) | $87.53 |
| Optometrist (National Avg) | $64.22 |
Veterinarians in Raleigh, NC earn a median of $137,597 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.19% higher than the national median of $137,334 and 1.00% above the North Carolina state average of $136,235.
Veterinarian Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $66.15/hr = $82,561/year (purchasing power: $84,111).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $137,601/year (purchasing power: $140,185).
CoL index: 98.157 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$45.03/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$62.67/hr
2026 Current Est.
$66.15/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+55.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinarians in Raleigh (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.56% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45.03/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $48.27/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $48.95/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $48.19/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $61.07/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $60.09/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $62.67/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $66.15/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $69.83/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinarians in Raleigh grew 39.2% from $45.03/hr (2019) to $62.67/hr (2025). At a 5.56% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $69.83/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 Raleigh 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 Raleigh
Part-time veterinarians working 24 hours a week earn considerably less than their full-time counterparts. While the base hourly rate holds promise, annual earnings can vary significantly based on hours worked. Notably, per diem veterinarian pay in Raleigh can range widely, with relief veterinarians charging as much as $90-$140 per hour at general practices, and specialty relief veterinarians commanding even higher rates of $150-$250 per hour. For those covering weekend shifts in emergency clinics, compensation often reaches $150-$200 per hour, highlighting the financial incentives in these roles. However, the hourly rates can vary across employer types, with corporate practices typically offering structured salaries, while independent clinics may provide more flexibility and potential for negotiation. When deciding on a position, veterinarians must weigh the trade-offs of higher hourly rates against benefits such as health insurance and retirement plans, which are often less prevalent in smaller practices. For those considering opportunities in Raleigh's growing veterinary market, understanding these nuances can aid in effective compensation negotiations that align with their career goals.
More salary data for Raleigh, NC:
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 Raleigh. 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