Veterinarian Hourly Pay in Cleveland, TN: $60.41 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinarian working in Cleveland, TN runs $60.41 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $125,650 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1131). Weighted against Cleveland's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.8, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $65.81 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $75,394 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Cleveland, TN, the veterinarian hourly pay is projected at $60.41 for 2026, which is slightly below the national median of $66.03. This median hourly rate provides a foundational income for both full-time veterinarians and those seeking part-time or per-diem positions. With various work environments such as general practice exam rooms, surgical suites, and specialty referral hospitals, part-time veterinarians working three days a week could expect a reliable income, while per-diem veterinarians have flexibility in their schedules. The hourly range for veterinarians in Cleveland varies significantly, from $36.91 for entry-level positions to $93.63 for experienced professionals at the top of the pay scale, reflecting the diverse opportunities within the veterinary field.
About the Cleveland Market
Salary estimated from Tennessee average ($106,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Veterinarian Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $36.91 | $295.31 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $48.55 | $388.38 |
| Median (P50) | $60.41 | $483.30 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $77.32 | $618.58 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $93.63 | $749.05 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Cleveland
Based on $60.41/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $60.41/hr, a veterinarian working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Cleveland, TN can expect to earn approximately $125,657 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $72,494. With a cost-of-living index of 91.80 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Cleveland.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Cleveland
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,416.48 | $10,471 | $125,657 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,449.89 | $6,283 | $75,394 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $966.59 | $4,189 | $50,263 |
Compare DVM Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinarian (Cleveland) | $60.41 |
| Veterinary Technician (National Avg) | $19.39 |
| Physician (National Avg) | $113.07 |
| Dentist (National Avg) | $87.53 |
| Optometrist (National Avg) | $64.22 |
Veterinarians in Cleveland, TN earn a median of $125,650 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.51% lower than the national median of $137,334 and 2.30% below the Tennessee state average of $128,608.
Veterinarian Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $60.41/hr = $75,394/year (purchasing power: $82,129).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $125,657/year (purchasing power: $136,881).
CoL index: 91.8 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$41.99/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$57.23/hr
2026 Current Est.
$60.41/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+51.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinarians in Cleveland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.56% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $41.99/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $43.66/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $44.15/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $45.42/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $52.39/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $45.69/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $57.23/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $60.41/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $63.77/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinarians in Cleveland grew 36.3% from $41.99/hr (2019) to $57.23/hr (2025). At a 5.56% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $63.77/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 Cleveland 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 Cleveland
For those considering part-time work, a veterinarian in Cleveland, TN, who practices three days a week can anticipate a different annual take-home compared to their full-time counterparts; while a full-time vet enjoys a stable salary, part-time hours will significantly decrease total income. Moreover, per-diem or locum veterinarians can potentially earn higher rates, with general practice rates ranging from $90 to $140 per hour, escalating to $150-$250 for specialty relief positions, especially in high-demand fields such as surgery or emergency care. Employment settings also affect pay dynamics, with corporate chains often establishing more systematic compensation structures compared to independent practices that may offer variable rates. It's crucial for veterinarians to weigh the benefits of health insurance and job stability that come with lower hourly pay against the allure of higher hourly earnings without benefits. Negotiating hourly rates should consider local market trends, the impact of corporate consolidation on salary structures, and personal financial needs.
More salary data for Cleveland, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinarians in Cleveland in 2026?
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Related Pages
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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 Cleveland. 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 Cleveland 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