Veterinarian Hourly Pay in Fairfax, VA: $58.13 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinarian working in Fairfax, VA runs $58.13 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $120,924 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1131). Weighted against Fairfax's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $56.33 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $72,549 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Fairfax, Virginia, the veterinarian hourly pay stands at $58.13, which falls short of the national median hourly rate of $66.03. This hourly wage reflects the financial landscape for part-time veterinarians, especially those working in general practice, specialty clinics, or mobile veterinary units. For instance, a veterinarian working three days a week would earn approximately $46,000 annually based on a typical schedule, while per-diem workers may find their pay fluctuating depending on the nature of their roles, from general exams to specialized care. Entry-level veterinarians can expect to earn around $34.19 per hour, while top earners can make as much as $90.12 per hour, indicative of a competitive market influenced by the region's cost of living, currently above the national average.
About the Fairfax Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($118,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Veterinarian Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $34.19 | $273.53 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $45.80 | $366.42 |
| Median (P50) | $58.13 | $465.06 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $72.03 | $576.27 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $90.12 | $720.93 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Fairfax
Based on $58.13/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $58.13/hr, a veterinarian working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Fairfax, VA can expect to earn approximately $120,914 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $69,758. With a cost-of-living index of 103.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Fairfax.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Fairfax
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,325.28 | $10,076 | $120,914 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,395.17 | $6,046 | $72,549 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $930.11 | $4,030 | $48,366 |
Compare DVM Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinarian (Fairfax) | $58.13 |
| Veterinary Technician (National Avg) | $19.39 |
| Physician (National Avg) | $113.07 |
| Dentist (National Avg) | $87.53 |
| Optometrist (National Avg) | $64.22 |
Veterinarians in Fairfax, VA earn a median of $120,924 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.95% lower than the national median of $137,334 and 4.50% below the Virginia state average of $126,622.
Veterinarian Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $58.13/hr = $72,549/year (purchasing power: $70,299).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $120,914/year (purchasing power: $117,165).
CoL index: 103.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$40.41/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$55.07/hr
2026 Current Est.
$58.13/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+51.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinarians in Fairfax (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.56% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $40.41/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $42.01/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $42.49/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $43.71/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $50.41/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $55.89/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $55.07/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $58.13/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $61.36/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinarians in Fairfax grew 36.3% from $40.41/hr (2019) to $55.07/hr (2025). At a 5.56% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $61.36/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 Fairfax 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 Fairfax
Veterinarians in Fairfax also navigate various earning possibilities through part-time roles or locum tenens positions. A veterinarian working a standard 24-hour week could gross around $46,000 annually, a figure that dramatically contrasts with full-time peers who may achieve salaries exceeding $120,000. Conversely, relief veterinarians often command impressive hourly rates, with general practice rates around $90-$140, while specialized fields like surgery or internal medicine can see pay range from $150-$250 per hour. Variability in wages is seen across different employment types; corporate entities like VCA and BluePearl set a different pay scale compared to independent practices. While some veterinarians may choose lower hourly pay for benefits, others might prioritize higher rates without perks. Those in the field should approach salary negotiations with consideration of these factors, emphasizing their specific experience and local market conditions to better position themselves in an evolving industry landscape shaped by corporate consolidation.
More salary data for Fairfax, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinarians in Fairfax in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinarians make in Fairfax?
Are veterinarians in Fairfax paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinarian make per year in Fairfax?
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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 Fairfax. 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 Fairfax 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