Veterinarian Hourly Pay in Ponca City, OK: $54.53 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinarian working in Ponca City, OK runs $54.53 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $113,428 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1131). Weighted against Ponca City's regional price level (BEA RPP 88.9, 11% below national), each hour of work buys what $61.34 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $68,056 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Ponca City, Oklahoma, the veterinarian hourly pay is projected to reach a median of $54.53 in 2026. This figure falls significantly below the national median of $66.03, suggesting that local veterinarians may face economic pressures distinct to the region. For those seeking part-time work, say three days a week, this hourly rate can yield a sustainable income in typical settings such as general practice exam rooms, surgical suites, and university teaching hospitals. For per-diem veterinarians who handle specific cases or shifts, wages can vary widely. The hourly range for veterinarians in the area extends from $34.41 for entry-level positions to $84.52 for top earners, indicating that experience and specialty can greatly influence earning potential.
About the Ponca City 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) | $34.41 | $275.30 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $44.49 | $355.95 |
| Median (P50) | $54.53 | $436.26 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $67.85 | $542.83 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $84.52 | $676.18 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Ponca City
Based on $54.53/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $54.53/hr, a veterinarian working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Ponca City, OK can expect to earn approximately $113,427 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $65,439. With a cost-of-living index of 88.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Ponca City.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Ponca City
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,181.29 | $9,452 | $113,427 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,308.78 | $5,671 | $68,056 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $872.52 | $3,781 | $45,371 |
Compare DVM Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinarian (Ponca City) | $54.53 |
| Veterinary Technician (National Avg) | $19.39 |
| Physician (National Avg) | $113.07 |
| Dentist (National Avg) | $87.53 |
| Optometrist (National Avg) | $64.22 |
Veterinarians in Ponca City, OK earn a median of $113,428 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.41% lower than the national median of $137,334 and 7.10% below the Oklahoma state average of $122,097.
Veterinarian Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $54.53/hr = $68,056/year (purchasing power: $76,554).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $113,427/year (purchasing power: $127,590).
CoL index: 88.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$37.91/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$51.66/hr
2026 Current Est.
$54.53/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+51.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinarians in Ponca City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.56% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $37.91/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $39.41/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $39.85/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $41.00/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $47.29/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $39.71/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $51.66/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $54.53/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $57.56/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinarians in Ponca City grew 36.3% from $37.91/hr (2019) to $51.66/hr (2025). At a 5.56% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $57.56/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 Ponca City 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 Ponca City
Part-time veterinarians who work 24 hours per week, at $54.53 per hour, can expect an annual income around $68,000, which may be appealing for balancing work and personal life. In contrast, per diem veterinarians in Ponca City often command rates between $90 and $140 per hour at general practices. For specialized relief work, fees can soar from $150 to $250 per hour, particularly within emergency care and surgery settings. Employment types further influence earnings; those in corporate chains may see varied pay scales compared to independent practices. While some veterinarians may opt for lower hourly rates for steady benefits and job security, others are drawn to higher hourly rates without benefits for the flexibility it affords. Negotiating a favorable contract in Ponca City requires clear knowledge of both local market rates and personal priorities, ensuring that financial compensation aligns with career goals.
More salary data for Ponca City, OK:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinarians in Ponca City in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinarians make in Ponca City?
Are veterinarians in Ponca City paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinarian make per year in Ponca City?
Do veterinarians earn more per hour working part-time in Ponca City?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Oklahoma
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 Ponca City. 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 Ponca City 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