Veterinarian Hourly Pay in Pasco, WA: $78.43 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinarian working in Pasco, WA runs $78.43 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $163,135 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1131). Weighted against Pasco's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $73.03 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $97,882 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Pasco, Washington, the veterinarian hourly pay averages $78.43, significantly higher than the national median of $66.03. This favorable rate reflects the local demand for veterinary services and offers attractive opportunities for various employment setups, including part-time and per-diem roles. For those working three days a week, a veterinarian could expect a stable income, boosted by the flexibility inherent in this profession. Hourly earnings range from $46.17 for entry-level positions to a top tier of $121.56 for seasoned professionals or those in specialized fields. As hourly rates are derived from annual salary estimates, veterinarians in diverse settings—such as general practice exam rooms, specialty referral hospitals, equine ambulatory visits, and university clinics—find that their compensation varies depending on their work environment and expertise level.
About the Pasco 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) | $46.17 | $369.38 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $61.78 | $494.27 |
| Median (P50) | $78.43 | $627.45 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $100.39 | $803.10 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $121.56 | $972.50 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Pasco
Based on $78.43/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $78.43/hr, a veterinarian working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Pasco, WA can expect to earn approximately $163,137 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $94,117. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Pasco.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Pasco
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,137.24 | $13,595 | $163,137 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,882.35 | $8,157 | $97,882 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,254.90 | $5,438 | $65,255 |
Compare DVM Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinarian (Pasco) | $78.43 |
| Veterinary Technician (National Avg) | $19.39 |
| Physician (National Avg) | $113.07 |
| Dentist (National Avg) | $87.53 |
| Optometrist (National Avg) | $64.22 |
Veterinarians in Pasco, WA earn a median of $163,135 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.79% higher than the national median of $137,334 and 2.40% below the Washington state average of $167,146.
Veterinarian Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $78.43/hr = $97,882/year (purchasing power: $91,138).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $163,137/year (purchasing power: $151,896).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$54.52/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$74.30/hr
2026 Current Est.
$78.43/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+51.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinarians in Pasco (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.56% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $54.52/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $56.68/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $57.32/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $58.97/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $68.02/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $71.54/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $74.30/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $78.43/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $82.79/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinarians in Pasco grew 36.3% from $54.52/hr (2019) to $74.30/hr (2025). At a 5.56% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $82.79/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 Pasco 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 Pasco
Veterinarians in Pasco who work part-time can anticipate different earning potential compared to their full-time colleagues. A veterinarian working three days a week for 24 hours annually takes home approximately $109,676, a substantial income for part-time work. Moreover, per diem or locum veterinarians often benefit from higher billing rates, charging between $90 and $140 an hour at general practices, while specialty relief work can command $150-$250 per hour. This variance extends across different employment types in the Pasco region, where independent practices and corporate chains each offer their unique hourly structures. Some veterinarians may choose to accept lower hourly rates in exchange for benefits such as health insurance, weighing these options carefully based on personal needs and career goals. For those interested in negotiating their pay, it’s advisable to understand the market rates in Pasco, showcasing industry standards, which can empower them to secure favorable compensation in an evolving market.
More salary data for Pasco, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Pasco. 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 Pasco 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