Veterinarian Hourly Pay in Charleston, SC: $61.98 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinarian working in Charleston, SC runs $61.98 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $128,920 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1131). Weighted against Charleston's regional price level (BEA RPP 101.0, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $61.39 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $77,357 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Charleston, South Carolina, veterinarians command a median hourly rate of $61.98, which is somewhat below the national median of $66.03. This hourly wage allows for various work arrangements, such as part-time roles or per-diem positions. For part-time veterinarians working three days a week, the earnings can be substantial, especially when considering the range from $19.95 for entry-level positions to $90.46 for top earners. This pay structure applies across diverse settings, including general practice exam rooms, surgical suites, specialty referral hospitals, and even pharmaceutical offices. According to the latest projections based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, these hourly figures are indicative of the evolving landscape of veterinary pay in Charleston, reflecting both demand and expertise in the field.
Veterinarian Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $19.95 | $159.61 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $49.70 | $397.58 |
| Median (P50) | $61.98 | $495.88 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $81.57 | $652.53 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $90.46 | $723.72 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Charleston
Based on $61.98/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $61.98/hr, a veterinarian working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Charleston, SC can expect to earn approximately $128,928 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $74,382. With a cost-of-living index of 100.96 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Charleston.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Charleston
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,479.39 | $10,744 | $128,928 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,487.64 | $6,446 | $77,357 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $991.76 | $4,298 | $51,571 |
Compare DVM Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinarian (Charleston) | $61.98 |
| Veterinary Technician (National Avg) | $19.39 |
| Physician (National Avg) | $113.07 |
| Dentist (National Avg) | $87.53 |
| Optometrist (National Avg) | $64.22 |
Veterinarians in Charleston, SC earn a median of $128,920 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.13% lower than the national median of $137,334 and 0.70% below the South Carolina state average of $129,829.
Veterinarian Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $61.98/hr = $77,357/year (purchasing power: $76,620).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $128,928/year (purchasing power: $127,700).
CoL index: 100.962 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$43.09/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$58.72/hr
2026 Current Est.
$61.98/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+51.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinarians in Charleston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.56% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $43.09/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $56.21/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $48.48/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $50.94/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $62.55/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $63.77/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $58.72/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61.98/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $65.43/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinarians in Charleston grew 36.3% from $43.09/hr (2019) to $58.72/hr (2025). At a 5.56% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $65.43/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 Charleston 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 Charleston
Considering the part-time scenario for veterinarians in Charleston, one can expect yearly earnings to be significantly lower than those of full-time counterparts due to the reduced hours. For instance, a veterinarian working 24 hours a week may take home around half of what a full-time veterinarian earns annually. Per diem opportunities present a different picture, with relief veterinarians in Charleston billing anywhere from $90 to $140 hourly in general practices, while specialty relief services can command rates as high as $150 to $250 per hour. Moreover, the type of employer plays a crucial role in determining pay; corporate practices like VCA and BluePearl offer stable salaries, but independent clinics may provide flexibility and negotiation opportunities. Even within these structures, some veterinarians may opt for lower hourly rates in exchange for benefits, making it essential to weigh the pros and cons. Thus, those navigating the veterinarian hourly pay in Charleston should consider industry trends and employer types to optimize compensation.
More salary data for Charleston, SC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinarians in Charleston in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinarians make in Charleston?
Are veterinarians in Charleston paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinarian make per year in Charleston?
Do veterinarians earn more per hour working part-time in Charleston?
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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 Charleston. 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, 6-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