Veterinarian Hourly Pay in Lakewood, OH: $64.29 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinarian working in Lakewood, OH runs $64.29 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $133,720 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1131). Weighted against Lakewood's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.7, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $70.88 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $80,229 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Lakewood, Ohio, the veterinarian hourly pay is projected to be $64.29 in 2026, slightly lower than the national hourly median of $66.03. This figure highlights the earning potential for various working arrangements within the veterinary profession, particularly for part-time positions, such as those who work three days a week, or per-diem staff filling gaps in clinics. These hourly rates are crucial for veterinarians in general practice exam rooms, surgical suites, or those making equine ambulatory visits. The hourly range in Lakewood runs from approximately $37.28 for entry-level positions to about $99.65 for top earners, providing a clear pathway for income growth as professionals gain experience and specialization over time. It's important to consider that these estimates are derived from annual salary data, reflecting the diverse earning potential based on different work environments and responsibilities in the veterinary field.
About the Lakewood Market
Salary estimated from Ohio average ($112,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Veterinarian Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37.28 | $298.27 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $48.28 | $386.27 |
| Median (P50) | $64.29 | $514.29 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $81.33 | $650.67 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $99.65 | $797.19 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lakewood
Based on $64.29/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $64.29/hr, a veterinarian working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lakewood, OH can expect to earn approximately $133,715 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $77,143. With a cost-of-living index of 90.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Lakewood.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lakewood
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,571.44 | $11,143 | $133,715 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,542.86 | $6,686 | $80,229 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,028.58 | $4,457 | $53,486 |
Compare DVM Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinarian (Lakewood) | $64.29 |
| Veterinary Technician (National Avg) | $19.39 |
| Physician (National Avg) | $113.07 |
| Dentist (National Avg) | $87.53 |
| Optometrist (National Avg) | $64.22 |
Veterinarians in Lakewood, OH earn a median of $133,720 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.63% lower than the national median of $137,334 and 0.50% below the Ohio state average of $134,392.
Veterinarian Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $64.29/hr = $80,229/year (purchasing power: $88,455).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $133,715/year (purchasing power: $147,426).
CoL index: 90.7 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$44.68/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$60.90/hr
2026 Current Est.
$64.29/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+51.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinarians in Lakewood (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.56% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44.68/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $46.46/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $46.98/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $48.34/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $55.75/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $48.59/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $60.90/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $64.29/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67.86/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinarians in Lakewood grew 36.3% from $44.68/hr (2019) to $60.90/hr (2025). At a 5.56% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $67.86/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 Lakewood 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 Lakewood
Part-time veterinarians in Lakewood can expect to earn a substantial income even when working just three days a week, potentially realizing an annual take-home similar to that of full-time professionals, depending on their hourly commitments. For those taking on per-diem or locum roles, compensation can significantly increase; relief veterinarians often command hourly rates ranging from $90 to $140 at general practices, while specialists may bill even higher, with rates for surgical or internal medicine support reaching $150 to $250 per hour. The hourly rate can also differ by employer type, with corporate chains like VCA and BluePearl offering competitive compensation yet often less flexibility compared to independent practices. Additionally, factors such as health benefits versus hourly pay should be weighed by veterinarians when considering job offers. For those negotiating their hourly rates in Lakewood, it's essential to understand the market dynamics, including the balance of workload expectations, associated benefits, and the prevalent compensation trends driven by corporate consolidation within the industry.
More salary data for Lakewood, OH:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinarians in Lakewood in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinarians make in Lakewood?
Are veterinarians in Lakewood paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinarian make per year in Lakewood?
Do veterinarians earn more per hour working part-time in Lakewood?
Related Pages
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Career Resources
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 Lakewood. 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 Lakewood 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