Veterinarian Hourly Pay in Wake Forest, NC: $64.58 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinarian working in Wake Forest, NC runs $64.58 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $134,339 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1131). Weighted against Wake Forest's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $69.00 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $80,598 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Wake Forest, North Carolina, the veterinarian hourly pay is projected to be $64.58 in 2026, slightly below the national median of $66.03 per hour. This rate reflects what veterinarians can expect to earn while working in various settings, such as general practice exam rooms, surgical suites, and university teaching hospitals. For those considering part-time work, a three-day workweek (approximately 24 hours) translates to a substantial income, affording flexibility without sacrificing too much financially. Entry-level veterinarians in Wake Forest may start at around $39.09 per hour, while experienced professionals can earn upwards of $100.11 per hour, making this field appealing even at the early stages of one's career. These figures estimate the potential earnings based on comprehensive salary data but highlight distinct pay scales across different practice environments.
About the Wake Forest 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) | $39.09 | $312.71 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50.27 | $402.14 |
| Median (P50) | $64.58 | $516.65 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $82.67 | $661.40 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $100.11 | $800.90 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Wake Forest
Based on $64.58/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $64.58/hr, a veterinarian working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Wake Forest, NC can expect to earn approximately $134,330 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $77,498. With a cost-of-living index of 93.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Wake Forest.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Wake Forest
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,583.26 | $11,194 | $134,330 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,549.96 | $6,716 | $80,598 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,033.31 | $4,478 | $53,732 |
Compare DVM Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinarian (Wake Forest) | $64.58 |
| Veterinary Technician (National Avg) | $19.39 |
| Physician (National Avg) | $113.07 |
| Dentist (National Avg) | $87.53 |
| Optometrist (National Avg) | $64.22 |
Veterinarians in Wake Forest, NC earn a median of $134,339 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.18% lower than the national median of $137,334 and 1.40% below the North Carolina state average of $136,246.
Veterinarian Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $64.58/hr = $80,598/year (purchasing power: $86,109).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $134,330/year (purchasing power: $143,515).
CoL index: 93.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$44.89/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$61.18/hr
2026 Current Est.
$64.58/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+51.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinarians in Wake Forest (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.56% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44.89/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $46.67/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $47.20/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $48.56/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $56.01/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $49.69/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $61.18/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $64.58/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $68.17/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinarians in Wake Forest grew 36.3% from $44.89/hr (2019) to $61.18/hr (2025). At a 5.56% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $68.17/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 Wake Forest 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 Wake Forest
Veterinarians opting for part-time roles in Wake Forest could potentially earn around $83,195 annually, compared to full-time earnings, which can exceed $134,339. Many veterinarians are also exploring per diem opportunities, where relief practitioners bill rates between $90-$140 per hour in general practices and can demand $150-$250 per hour for specialty relief positions. Employers in Wake Forest range from corporate chains to independent clinics, resulting in variations in hourly compensation depending on practice type. While corporate consolidations may streamline employment options and pay structures, many vets still seek out smaller practices for the potential of higher hourly pay, despite often eschewing benefits like health insurance. When negotiating hourly rates in Wake Forest, it’s beneficial for veterinarians to highlight their skills and experience, especially as the market remains competitive, allowing them to leverage offers based on demand and specific practice needs.
More salary data for Wake Forest, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinarians in Wake Forest in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinarians make in Wake Forest?
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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 Wake Forest. 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 Wake Forest 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