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.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

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
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 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.
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.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Goose Creek
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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
| Role | Median 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 |
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 (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.56% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $41.68/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $43.33/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $43.82/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $45.08/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $52.00/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $45.62/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $56.80/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $59.96/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $63.29/hr | Projected |
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 (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Goose Creek 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 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.
More salary data for Goose Creek, SC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinarians in Goose Creek in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinarians make in Goose Creek?
Are veterinarians in Goose Creek paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinarian make per year in Goose Creek?
Do veterinarians earn more per hour working part-time in Goose Creek?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in South Carolina
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 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).
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