Veterinarian Hourly Pay in Mountlake Terrace, WA: $74.41 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinarian working in Mountlake Terrace, WA runs $74.41 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $154,782 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1131). Weighted against Mountlake Terrace's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $69.28 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $92,863 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Mountlake Terrace, Washington, veterinarians earn a median hourly rate of $74.41, surpassing the national median of $66.03. This higher rate reflects the region’s demand and cost of living considerations, particularly in roles such as part-time veterinarians or those working per diem. For example, a veterinarian working three days a week might see a flexible schedule while still earning over $168,000 annually, which is quite competitive. The hourly pay can range from $46.51 for entry-level positions to an impressive $115.35 for highly experienced professionals. Such estimates are drawn from annual salary data, allowing prospective veterinarians to understand the financial opportunities available in various settings, including general practice exam rooms, specialty referral hospitals, and more.
About the Mountlake Terrace 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) | $46.51 | $372.08 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $60.40 | $483.21 |
| Median (P50) | $74.41 | $595.27 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $93.86 | $750.91 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $115.35 | $922.76 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Mountlake Terrace
Based on $74.41/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $74.41/hr, a veterinarian working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Mountlake Terrace, WA can expect to earn approximately $154,771 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $89,291. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Mountlake Terrace.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Mountlake Terrace
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,976.37 | $12,898 | $154,771 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,785.82 | $7,739 | $92,863 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,190.55 | $5,159 | $61,908 |
Compare DVM Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinarian (Mountlake Terrace) | $74.41 |
| Veterinary Technician (National Avg) | $19.39 |
| Physician (National Avg) | $113.07 |
| Dentist (National Avg) | $87.53 |
| Optometrist (National Avg) | $64.22 |
Veterinarians in Mountlake Terrace, WA earn a median of $154,782 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.70% higher than the national median of $137,334 and 7.40% below the Washington state average of $167,151.
Veterinarian Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $74.41/hr = $92,863/year (purchasing power: $86,464).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $154,771/year (purchasing power: $144,107).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$51.72/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$70.49/hr
2026 Current Est.
$74.41/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+51.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinarians in Mountlake Terrace (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.56% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $51.72/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $53.78/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $54.38/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $55.95/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $64.53/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $67.88/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $70.49/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $74.41/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $78.55/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinarians in Mountlake Terrace grew 36.3% from $51.72/hr (2019) to $70.49/hr (2025). At a 5.56% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $78.55/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 Mountlake Terrace 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 Mountlake Terrace
For those seeking part-time work, the earning potential can differ significantly compared to full-time positions. Veterinarians working or transitioning to per diem roles often enjoy flexible scheduling while commanding rates between $90 and $250 per hour, depending on their specialization and the type of practice. In Mountlake Terrace, various employer types can lead to distinct hourly pay scales. For instance, corporate practices like VCA and BluePearl, which comprise about 25% of the local market, may offer stability, albeit at potentially lower hourly rates when benefits are factored in. In contrast, independent practices might offer more negotiation flexibility in hourly rates. As the veterinary profession faces increasing consolidation, understanding employer dynamics and the specifics of per diem veterinarian pay in Mountlake Terrace can assist professionals in making informed career choices.
More salary data for Mountlake Terrace, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinarians in Mountlake Terrace in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinarians make in Mountlake Terrace?
Are veterinarians in Mountlake Terrace paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinarian make per year in Mountlake Terrace?
Do veterinarians earn more per hour working part-time in Mountlake Terrace?
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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 Mountlake Terrace. 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 Mountlake Terrace 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