Veterinarian Hourly Pay in Norman, OK: $59.49 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinarian working in Norman, OK runs $59.49 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $123,740 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1131). Weighted against Norman's regional price level (BEA RPP 88.9, 11% below national), each hour of work buys what $66.92 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $74,248 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Veterinarians in Norman, Oklahoma, earn a median hourly rate of $59.49, which is notably 10.9% lower than the national hourly median of $66.03. This discrepancy highlights the regional cost of living dynamics, as Norman's cost of living index is below the national average. For veterinarians working part-time, say three days a week, this hourly rate could translate into a considerable income, particularly for those seeking flexible arrangements or per-diem roles. Per-diem veterinarians often work in diverse settings, including general practice exam rooms and specialty referral hospitals, and may find themselves in different environments from equine ambulatory visits to surgical suites. The hourly pay range varies significantly, spanning from $34.51 for entry-level positions up to $92.21 for highly experienced veterinarians, reflecting broad opportunities within this profession.
About the Norman Market
Salary estimated from Oklahoma average ($100,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Veterinarian Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $34.51 | $276.06 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $47.67 | $381.37 |
| Median (P50) | $59.49 | $475.95 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $75.91 | $607.27 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $92.21 | $737.65 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Norman
Based on $59.49/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $59.49/hr, a veterinarian working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Norman, OK can expect to earn approximately $123,747 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $71,392. With a cost-of-living index of 88.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Norman.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Norman
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,379.74 | $10,312 | $123,747 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,427.85 | $6,187 | $74,248 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $951.90 | $4,125 | $49,499 |
Compare DVM Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinarian (Norman) | $59.49 |
| Veterinary Technician (National Avg) | $19.39 |
| Physician (National Avg) | $113.07 |
| Dentist (National Avg) | $87.53 |
| Optometrist (National Avg) | $64.22 |
Veterinarians in Norman, OK earn a median of $123,740 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.90% lower than the national median of $137,334 and 1.40% above the Oklahoma state average of $122,031.
Veterinarian Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $59.49/hr = $74,248/year (purchasing power: $83,519).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $123,747/year (purchasing power: $139,198).
CoL index: 88.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$41.35/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$56.36/hr
2026 Current Est.
$59.49/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+51.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinarians in Norman (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.56% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $41.35/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $43.00/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $43.48/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $44.73/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $51.59/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $43.32/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $56.36/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $59.49/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $62.80/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinarians in Norman grew 36.3% from $41.35/hr (2019) to $56.36/hr (2025). At a 5.56% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $62.80/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 Norman 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 Norman
Delving into aspects of part-time work and per-diem placements offers a clearer picture of earning potential within this field. A veterinarian working part-time for 24 hours weekly can make a substantial income annually, significantly differing from full-time earnings. Those opting for per-diem positions can command hourly rates ranging from $90-$140 in general practices, with specialty relief veterinarians earning between $150-$250 per hour, particularly in high-demand areas like surgery or emergency care. Variations also exist among employer types, with corporate practices like VCA and BluePearl generally offering lower hourly rates compared to independent practices or specialty hospitals. This creates a compelling situation where some veterinarians may accept a lower hourly rate in exchange for added benefits such as health insurance. For those negotiating in Norman, understanding the impact of corporate consolidation in the veterinary field and the trends towards production-based compensation can be beneficial. Tailoring negotiations based on the position and working environment will help ensure that both pay and job satisfaction are optimized.
More salary data for Norman, OK:
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 Norman. 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 Norman 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