Veterinarian Hourly Pay in Norfolk, VA: $62.84 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinarian working in Norfolk, VA runs $62.84 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $130,715 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1131). Weighted against Norfolk's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $60.89 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $78,424 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Norfolk, Virginia, the median hourly rate for veterinarians is projected to be $62.84 in 2026, which is notably lower than the national median of $66.03 per hour. This difference may influence the choices of part-time and per-diem workers in veterinary settings, such as general practices, surgical suites, and specialty referral hospitals. For veterinarians working part-time (around three days a week), the hourly wage can provide a comfortable income while allowing flexibility. The estimated hourly range for veterinarians in Norfolk spans from $36.45 for entry-level positions to $97.41 for top earners, reflecting a variety of career stages and responsibilities within the profession. Hourly rates are derived from annual salary data and underscore the competitive nature of veterinary pay in this region.
About the Norfolk 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) | $36.45 | $291.60 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $46.79 | $374.36 |
| Median (P50) | $62.84 | $502.72 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $80.44 | $643.49 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $97.41 | $779.29 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Norfolk
Based on $62.84/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $62.84/hr, a veterinarian working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Norfolk, VA can expect to earn approximately $130,707 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $75,408. With a cost-of-living index of 103.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Norfolk.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Norfolk
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,513.59 | $10,892 | $130,707 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,508.16 | $6,535 | $78,424 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,005.44 | $4,357 | $52,283 |
Compare DVM Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinarian (Norfolk) | $62.84 |
| Veterinary Technician (National Avg) | $19.39 |
| Physician (National Avg) | $113.07 |
| Dentist (National Avg) | $87.53 |
| Optometrist (National Avg) | $64.22 |
Veterinarians in Norfolk, VA earn a median of $130,715 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.82% lower than the national median of $137,334 and 3.20% above the Virginia state average of $126,662.
Veterinarian Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $62.84/hr = $78,424/year (purchasing power: $75,992).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $130,707/year (purchasing power: $126,654).
CoL index: 103.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$43.68/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$59.53/hr
2026 Current Est.
$62.84/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+51.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinarians in Norfolk (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.56% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $43.68/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $45.41/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $45.93/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $47.25/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $54.50/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $61.20/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $59.53/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $62.84/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $66.33/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinarians in Norfolk grew 36.3% from $43.68/hr (2019) to $59.53/hr (2025). At a 5.56% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $66.33/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 Norfolk 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 Norfolk
Veterinarians in Norfolk who choose part-time roles can still achieve notable income; for example, those working 24 hours a week could see annual earnings that align closely with their full-time counterparts in higher-paying environments. Per diem veterinarians, often filling gaps in staffing, can command hourly rates between $90 and $140 at general practices, with specialty relief roles (such as surgery or internal medicine) drawing rates of $150 to $250 per hour. As veterinary practices in Norfolk turn towards corporate consolidation, hourly rates may differ significantly based on employer type— with corporate chains typically offering steady salaries alongside benefits, while independent clinics might provide higher hourly rates without the same benefit packages. For those negotiating salaries, understanding the dynamics of corporate versus independent practices, as well as the varying rates across specialties, can be essential for securing a desirable compensation package.
More salary data for Norfolk, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinarians in Norfolk in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinarians make in Norfolk?
Are veterinarians in Norfolk paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinarian make per year in Norfolk?
Do veterinarians earn more per hour working part-time in Norfolk?
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 Norfolk. 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 Norfolk 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