Veterinarian Hourly Pay in Auburn, WA: $79.46 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinarian working in Auburn, WA runs $79.46 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $165,266 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1131). Weighted against Auburn's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $73.98 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $99,160 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Veterinarians in Auburn, Washington, can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $79.46, a substantial figure that exceeds the national hourly median of $66.03. This higher pay reflects the regional demand for veterinary services in various settings, including general practice exam rooms, surgical suites, and specialty referral hospitals. Part-time veterinarians, working around three days a week, can see decent pay for their expertise, while per diem veterinarians working on an as-needed basis can earn considerably more depending on the type of service provided. With a range extending from $46.09 for entry-level positions to as much as $123.16 for more seasoned practitioners, there is room for growth in this profession. It’s crucial to understand that these hourly rates derive from projected annual salaries and highlight the earning potential available to both full-time employees and those with more flexible arrangements.
About the Auburn Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($142,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Veterinarian Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $46.09 | $368.70 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $62.08 | $496.64 |
| Median (P50) | $79.46 | $635.64 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $101.71 | $813.66 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $123.16 | $985.25 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Auburn
Based on $79.46/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $79.46/hr, a veterinarian working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Auburn, WA can expect to earn approximately $165,266 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $95,346. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Auburn.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Auburn
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,178.20 | $13,772 | $165,266 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,906.92 | $8,263 | $99,160 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,271.28 | $5,509 | $66,107 |
Compare DVM Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinarian (Auburn) | $79.46 |
| Veterinary Technician (National Avg) | $19.39 |
| Physician (National Avg) | $113.07 |
| Dentist (National Avg) | $87.53 |
| Optometrist (National Avg) | $64.22 |
Veterinarians in Auburn, WA earn a median of $165,266 per year (2026 est.), which is 20.34% higher than the national median of $137,334 and 1.20% below the Washington state average of $167,273.
Veterinarian Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $79.46/hr = $99,160/year (purchasing power: $92,328).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $165,266/year (purchasing power: $153,879).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$55.23/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$75.27/hr
2026 Current Est.
$79.46/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+51.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinarians in Auburn (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.56% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $55.23/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $57.42/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $58.07/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $59.74/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $68.91/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $72.47/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $75.27/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $79.46/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $83.87/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinarians in Auburn grew 36.3% from $55.23/hr (2019) to $75.27/hr (2025). At a 5.56% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $83.87/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 Auburn 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 Auburn
Focusing on the earning potential for part-time veterinarians in Auburn reveals interesting dynamics. A practitioner working just three days per week, assuming a full-time equivalent of 24 hours, would bring in approximately $61,755 annually, compared to full-time colleagues earning considerably more. Relief and locum veterinarians can also thrive in Auburn, as their hourly rates often surpass those of their full-time counterparts, with billing rates of $90-$140/hr at general practices and $150-$250/hr for specialty services. Vet clinics can vary widely in pay based on whether they are corporate chains like VCA or independent practices, affecting the compensation structure for veterinarians. While higher hourly rates typically come without benefits, many veterinarians may accept lower pay in exchange for healthcare and retirement options. Negotiating compensation can hinge on understanding local market trends and being aware of the corporate consolidation impacting pay practices across veterinary services in WA.
More salary data for Auburn, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Pages
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Nearby Cities in Washington
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 Auburn. 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 Auburn 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