Veterinarian Hourly Pay in Wauwatosa, WI: $51.94 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinarian working in Wauwatosa, WI runs $51.94 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $108,036 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1131). Weighted against Wauwatosa's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.4, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $55.61 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $64,816 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Wauwatosa, the veterinarian hourly pay is projected to reach $51.94 in 2026, which is notably lower than the national median of $66.03. This discrepancy means that veterinarians working part-time or per-diem in various settings, such as general practice exam rooms, surgical suites, or even equine ambulatory visits, may find their earnings directly affected. Those who choose a part-time schedule, for example working three days a week, will experience a unique financial dynamic compared to their full-time counterparts. The hourly pay range for veterinarians in Wauwatosa spans from $30.82 at the lower end (10th percentile) to upwards of $80.51 for experienced or specialized practitioners on the higher end of the pay scale. It's worth noting that these hourly rates are derived from annual salary projections, establishing a clear framework for those considering shifts in their work-life balance.
About the Wauwatosa Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($114,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Veterinarian Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $30.82 | $246.59 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $41.02 | $328.16 |
| Median (P50) | $51.94 | $415.48 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $66.18 | $529.40 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $80.51 | $644.08 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Wauwatosa
Based on $51.94/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $51.94/hr, a veterinarian working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Wauwatosa, WI can expect to earn approximately $108,026 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $62,323. With a cost-of-living index of 93.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Wauwatosa.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Wauwatosa
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,077.42 | $9,002 | $108,026 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,246.45 | $5,401 | $64,816 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $830.97 | $3,601 | $43,210 |
Compare DVM Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinarian (Wauwatosa) | $51.94 |
| Veterinary Technician (National Avg) | $19.39 |
| Physician (National Avg) | $113.07 |
| Dentist (National Avg) | $87.53 |
| Optometrist (National Avg) | $64.22 |
Veterinarians in Wauwatosa, WI earn a median of $108,036 per year (2026 est.), which is 21.33% lower than the national median of $137,334 and 5.20% below the Wisconsin state average of $113,962.
Veterinarian Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $51.94/hr = $64,816/year (purchasing power: $69,396).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $108,026/year (purchasing power: $115,659).
CoL index: 93.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$36.10/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$49.20/hr
2026 Current Est.
$51.94/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+51.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinarians in Wauwatosa (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.56% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $36.10/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $37.53/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $37.96/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $39.05/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $45.04/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $48.53/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $49.20/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $51.94/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $54.82/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinarians in Wauwatosa grew 36.3% from $36.10/hr (2019) to $49.20/hr (2025). At a 5.56% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $54.82/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 Wauwatosa 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 Wauwatosa
The earning potential for part-time veterinarians in Wauwatosa reveals a different narrative. A veterinarian working 24 hours a week would earn significantly less annually than their full-time peers, which can heavily impact financial planning and lifestyle choices. Per diem veterinarians can capitalize on higher hourly rates, with general practice relief roles often billing between $90-$140 per hour, while specialty roles in surgery or internal medicine may command even more, ranging from $150-$250 per hour. Additionally, various employer types influence pay scales considerably; large animal practices, corporate chains, and specialty hospitals each contribute to a complex compensation structure. Some veterinarians may opt for lower hourly rates to secure benefits like health insurance, while others pursue higher per-hour pay but forego those advantages. For those negotiating hourly contracts, focusing on the varying compensation across the local market and considering the demand for your expertise can lead to more favorable terms in Wauwatosa’s veterinary landscape.
More salary data for Wauwatosa, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinarians in Wauwatosa in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinarians make in Wauwatosa?
Are veterinarians in Wauwatosa paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinarian make per year in Wauwatosa?
Do veterinarians earn more per hour working part-time in Wauwatosa?
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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 Wauwatosa. 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 Wauwatosa 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