Veterinarian Hourly Pay in Lancaster, OH: $64.18 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinarian working in Lancaster, OH runs $64.18 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $133,501 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1131). Weighted against Lancaster's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.7, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $70.76 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $80,097 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, veterinarians in Lancaster, Ohio, will earn a median hourly rate of $64.18, slightly lower than the national median of $66.03. This rate plays a significant role for both full-time and part-time veterinarians, especially for those working in various settings such as general practices, surgical suites, and specialty hospitals. For part-timers, a schedule of three days a week equates to substantial earnings, with the hourly range for entry-level veterinarians starting at $37.74 and going up to $99.48 for the highest earners. Veterinarians seeking per-diem roles or relief work can expect varied compensation reflecting their expertise and market demand while working in diverse environments such as corporate chains or independent practices. Understanding these dynamics can aid in making informed decisions about career paths in veterinary medicine.
About the Lancaster 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) | $37.74 | $301.90 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50.44 | $403.49 |
| Median (P50) | $64.18 | $513.44 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $81.42 | $651.35 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $99.48 | $795.84 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lancaster
Based on $64.18/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $64.18/hr, a veterinarian working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lancaster, OH can expect to earn approximately $133,495 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $77,017. With a cost-of-living index of 90.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Lancaster.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lancaster
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,567.22 | $11,125 | $133,495 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,540.33 | $6,675 | $80,097 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,026.89 | $4,450 | $53,398 |
Compare DVM Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinarian (Lancaster) | $64.18 |
| Veterinary Technician (National Avg) | $19.39 |
| Physician (National Avg) | $113.07 |
| Dentist (National Avg) | $87.53 |
| Optometrist (National Avg) | $64.22 |
Veterinarians in Lancaster, OH earn a median of $133,501 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.79% lower than the national median of $137,334 and 0.70% below the Ohio state average of $134,442.
Veterinarian Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $64.18/hr = $80,097/year (purchasing power: $88,310).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $133,495/year (purchasing power: $147,183).
CoL index: 90.7 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$44.61/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$60.80/hr
2026 Current Est.
$64.18/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+51.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinarians in Lancaster (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.56% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44.61/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $46.38/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $46.91/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $48.26/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $55.66/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $48.51/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $60.80/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $64.18/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67.75/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinarians in Lancaster grew 36.3% from $44.61/hr (2019) to $60.80/hr (2025). At a 5.56% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $67.75/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 Lancaster 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 Lancaster
A part-time veterinarian working 24 hours per week in Lancaster could see annual earnings considerably below that of their full-time counterparts, illustrating the trade-offs inherent in this career choice. Relief veterinarians often find lucrative per diem options, billing between $90 and $140 per hour in general practices, with specialty relief roles commanding even higher rates between $150 and $250 per hour. However, the landscape of hourly pay differs greatly across types of employers; small animal clinics may offer lower hourly rates compared to specialty hospitals or government jobs. The balance between compensation and benefits is critical; many opt for lower hourly pay in exchange for health insurance and other perks offered by larger corporate entities. For those negotiating hourly rates, local conditions and specific employer needs should be leveraged, ensuring that professionals can secure compensation that reflects their skills while considering the broader shifts within the veterinary field in Lancaster, OH.
More salary data for Lancaster, OH:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinarians in Lancaster in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinarians make in Lancaster?
Are veterinarians in Lancaster paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinarian make per year in Lancaster?
Do veterinarians earn more per hour working part-time in Lancaster?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
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 Lancaster. 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 Lancaster 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