Veterinarian Salary

Veterinarian Hourly Pay in Goose Creek, SC: $59.96 (2026)

Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinarian working in Goose Creek, SC runs $59.96 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $124,704 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1131). Weighted against Goose Creek's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.5, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $65.53 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $74,828 per year.

$124,704
Median Annual Salary
$59.96/hr
Hourly Rate
$76,592
Entry Level (P10)
$193,292
Top Earners (P90)

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Veterinarian Hourly Rate in Goose Creek, SC — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Goose Creek, SC veterinarian hourly rate overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

The veterinarian hourly pay in Goose Creek, SC, stands at a median of $59.96, which is notably lower than the national median of $66.03. This figure reflects the estimated average income for veterinarians, a profession that includes various working settings such as general practice exam rooms, specialty referral hospitals, and university teaching facilities. For those who prefer part-time work, a veterinarian working three days a week, approximately 24 hours total, can expect to earn about $1,438 weekly before taxes. Entry-level positions start at around $36.82, while experienced veterinarians in Goose Creek can earn upwards of $92.92 per hour, reflecting the diversity in practice focus and specialization within the field. The hourly rates presented are derived from annual salary data, illustrating the range of compensation based on experience and location.

About the Goose Creek Market

Salary estimated from South Carolina average ($108,000) adjusted for local cost of living.

Veterinarian Hourly Wage Breakdown

PercentileHourly RatePer 8hr Shift
Entry Level (P10)$36.82$294.55
Lower Range (P25)$46.94$375.54
Median (P50)$59.96$479.66
Upper Range (P75)$75.89$607.10
Top Earners (P90)$92.92$743.40

Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Goose Creek

Based on $59.96/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.

Horizontal bars showing a veterinarian in Goose Creek earning $59.96/hr would make approximately $71,950 part-time (24 hr/wk) or $124,713 full-time (40 hr/wk).Part-Time (24 hr/wk)$71,950Reduced (32 hr/wk)$95,933Full-Time (40 hr/wk)$124,713

At $59.96/hr, a veterinarian working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Goose Creek, SC can expect to earn approximately $124,713 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $71,950. With a cost-of-living index of 91.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Goose Creek.

Annual estimates assume 5052 working weeks per year. Actual earnings vary by employer, overtime, and benefits.

Hourly Rate Calculator

$479.66
per 8hr shift
$2,398.32
per week
$10,393
per month
$124,713
per year

Schedule Comparison in Goose Creek

ScheduleWeeklyMonthlyAnnual
Full-Time (40 hrs)$2,398.32$10,393$124,713
Part-Time (24 hrs)$1,438.99$6,236$74,828
Per Diem (16 hrs)$959.33$4,157$49,885

Compare DVM Wages With Similar Roles

RoleMedian Hourly
Veterinarian (Goose Creek)$59.96
Veterinary Technician (National Avg)$19.39
Physician (National Avg)$113.07
Dentist (National Avg)$87.53
Optometrist (National Avg)$64.22
Horizontal bar chart comparing veterinarian median salary in Goose Creek ($124,704) with South Carolina average ($129,900) and the US national median ($137,334).Goose Creek$124,704South Carolina Avg$129,900-4.00%US National$137,334-9.20%

Veterinarians in Goose Creek, SC earn a median of $124,704 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.20% lower than the national median of $137,334 and 4.00% below the South Carolina state average of $129,900.

Veterinarian Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living

Working 24h/week at $59.96/hr = $74,828/year (purchasing power: $81,779).

Working 40h/week (full-time) = $124,713/year (purchasing power: $136,298).

CoL index: 91.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.

2019 BLS Actual

$41.68/hr

2025 BLS Actual

$56.80/hr

2026 Current Est.

$59.96/hr

2019–2027 Growth

+51.9%

Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinarians in Goose Creek (20192027)

2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.56% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Hourly rate trajectory chart for veterinarians in Goose Creek. Baseline $41.68/hr in 2025, projected to $63.29/hr by 2027.$37$45$52$60$682019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$41.68$43.33$43.82$45.08$52.00$45.62$56.80$59.96$63.29
YearHourly RateStatus
2019$41.68/hrActual
2020$43.33/hrActual
2021$43.82/hrActual
2022$45.08/hrActual
2023$52.00/hrActual
2024$45.62/hrActual
2025$56.80/hrActual
2026(current)$59.96/hrEstimated
2027$63.29/hrProjected

Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinarians in Goose Creek grew 36.3% from $41.68/hr (2019) to $56.80/hr (2025). At a 5.56% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $63.29/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem veterinarians can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.

Note: Historical values (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Goose Creek metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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 Goose Creek

For part-time veterinarians choosing to work three days a week, their annual earnings can significantly differ from those of full-time employees. While the annual earnings from part-time work based on the hourly rate would be around $74,776, a full-time veterinarian average suggests a substantial difference. Those working on a per diem basis in Goose Creek may experience even greater earning potential; relief veterinarians commonly charge between $90-$140 per hour, with specialty positions earning even more—up to $250 per hour in certain cases. Hourly pay can also vary based on employer type within Goose Creek, with corporate chains often offering structured pay scales, while independent practices might provide diverse pay structures. However, many veterinarians might opt for positions with lower hourly wages that include benefits such as health insurance, making compensation packages an important aspect of their job negotiations. Understanding local dynamics and personal work-life balance needs can greatly influence salary negotiations for veterinarians in the area.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hourly rate for veterinarians in Goose Creek in 2026?

The estimated 2026 median hourly rate for veterinarians in Goose Creek is $59.96/hour, based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 5.56% annual growth). Rates range from $36.82 at entry level (10th percentile) to $92.92 for experienced practitioners (90th percentile). This is 9.2% below the national average. Hourly pay varies based on practice type, patient volume, years of experience, and whether the position includes benefits.

How much do part-time veterinarians make in Goose Creek?

A part-time veterinarian working 3 days per week (24 hours) in Goose Creek earns approximately $6,236/month, or $74,828/year at the median hourly rate of $59.96. Many veterinarians prefer part-time schedules for work-life balance, and some work at multiple practices to maximize earnings. Part-time positions may not include benefits like health insurance or retirement contributions, but typically offer higher hourly rates to compensate.

Are veterinarians in Goose Creek paid hourly or salary?

The majority of veterinarians in Goose Creek are paid hourly at a median rate of $59.96/hour. Some full-time positions at larger practices or organizations offer salaried compensation around $124,713/year, often bundled with benefits including health insurance, paid time off, retirement plans, and continuing education allowances. Hourly pay gives flexibility, while salary positions provide income stability.

How much does a full-time veterinarian make per year in Goose Creek?

A full-time veterinarian working 40 hours per week (2,080 hours/year) in Goose Creek earns approximately $124,713/year at the median hourly rate of $59.96. This is 9.2% below the national median. Top earners working full-time can reach $193,283/year at the 90th percentile rate. Overtime and weekend shifts may further increase annual earnings.

Do veterinarians earn more per hour working part-time in Goose Creek?

Part-time and per diem veterinarians in Goose Creek sometimes command higher hourly rates — up to $92.92/hour — because practices need flexible coverage for specific days or peak hours. However, part-time positions typically do not include benefits like health insurance, paid time off, or retirement contributions. When factoring in the value of benefits, full-time salaried positions may offer comparable or better total compensation despite a slightly lower hourly rate.

Related Pages

Nearby Cities in South Carolina

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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.

Clinically reviewed by Dr. Samuel Patel, DVMData verified by Dr. Maria Gomez, DVM

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 Goose Creek. 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 Goose Creek is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).

View estimation methodology

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

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