Veterinarian Hourly Pay in Tulsa, OK: $49.86 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinarian working in Tulsa, OK runs $49.86 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $103,702 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1131). Weighted against Tulsa's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.2, 11% below national), each hour of work buys what $55.88 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $62,220 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Tulsa, Oklahoma, the veterinarian hourly pay is projected to be $49.86 in 2026, which is significantly lower than the national median of $66.03. This difference in compensation reflects the economic conditions and job market dynamics unique to the region. For veterinarians working part-time, such as those who might take shifts in general practice exam rooms or surgical suites for three days a week, this hourly rate can translate into a stable yet moderate income. Additionally, per-diem veterinarians—those who cover shifts at various clinics—can expect variable earnings, with the range from $26.49 as an entry-level rate up to $79.40 for top earners. Understanding these numbers is essential for veterinarians in Tulsa seeking to assess their financial prospects and make informed career decisions based on their hourly pay.
Veterinarian Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $26.49 | $211.88 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40.27 | $322.17 |
| Median (P50) | $49.86 | $398.85 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $65.73 | $525.86 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $79.40 | $635.22 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Tulsa
Based on $49.86/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $49.86/hr, a veterinarian working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Tulsa, OK can expect to earn approximately $103,700 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $59,827. With a cost-of-living index of 89.21 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Tulsa.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Tulsa
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,994.24 | $8,642 | $103,700 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,196.54 | $5,185 | $62,220 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $797.70 | $3,457 | $41,480 |
Compare DVM Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinarian (Tulsa) | $49.86 |
| Veterinary Technician (National Avg) | $19.39 |
| Physician (National Avg) | $113.07 |
| Dentist (National Avg) | $87.53 |
| Optometrist (National Avg) | $64.22 |
Veterinarians in Tulsa, OK earn a median of $103,702 per year (2026 est.), which is 24.49% lower than the national median of $137,334 and 15.10% below the Oklahoma state average of $122,146.
Veterinarian Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $49.86/hr = $62,220/year (purchasing power: $69,743).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $103,700/year (purchasing power: $116,238).
CoL index: 89.214 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$36.10/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$47.23/hr
2026 Current Est.
$49.86/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+45.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinarians in Tulsa (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.56% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $36.10/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $33.76/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $39.35/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $47.36/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $47.31/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $46.70/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $47.23/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49.86/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52.63/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinarians in Tulsa grew 30.8% from $36.10/hr (2019) to $47.23/hr (2025). At a 5.56% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $52.63/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 Tulsa 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 Tulsa
For those considering part-time work or per-diem opportunities, a typical three-day workweek would yield a different financial picture compared to full-time positions. Veterinarians working these schedules can anticipate significantly reduced annual earnings, making it crucial to weigh the benefits of part-time flexibility against financial stability. Many relief or locum veterinarians in Tulsa are capitalizing on the booming demand for services, often billing $90-$140/hr for regular coverage; specialty relief roles can command rates between $150-$250/hr depending on the complexity of care provided. The type of veterinary practice also affects hourly compensation, with corporate chains offering consistent pay structures that may include benefits, contrasts with independent practices that might pay more but often lack health coverage. Effective negotiation can help practitioners maximize their earnings; understanding the pay scale differences between various employers—corporate chains, private practices, and specialty hospitals—will aid in making strategic career decisions in the ever-evolving veterinary landscape in Tulsa.
More salary data for Tulsa, OK:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinarians in Tulsa in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinarians make in Tulsa?
Are veterinarians in Tulsa paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinarian make per year in Tulsa?
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Related Pages
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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 Tulsa. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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