Juan Gervasoni
Specialist
October 23, 2025
Veterinary pay rates are one of the most important considerations for relief vets today. With veterinarians in high demand across the country, clinics rely on relief coverage more than ever—but how should relief vets set competitive rates?
Understanding veterinary pay rates isn’t just about knowing the market—it’s about setting rates that reflect your skills, experience, and the value you provide while also staying competitive. Whether you’re new to relief work or looking to refine your pricing, this guide will help you navigate veterinary pay rates with confidence.
Veterinary pay rates influence more than just a paycheck—they set the tone for your career growth, work-life balance, and professional reputation. For relief vets especially, rates determine:
Financial sustainability – Covering your expenses and achieving income goals.
Work opportunities – Clinics often compare relief rates before hiring.
Professional positioning – Rates communicate your level of expertise and the quality of care you deliver.
If you want more insight into balancing your career and wellness, check out our guide on Veterinary Work-Life Balance Tips.
No two relief vets charge the same, and there’s a good reason for that. Veterinary pay rates are shaped by several key factors:
Rates vary significantly by geography. Urban areas with higher living costs often see higher pay rates than rural clinics. For example, a relief vet in New York City will typically charge more than one in a small Midwest town. You can compare salaries nationally with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics – Veterinarians.
Years in practice, specialized training, and comfort with complex cases all add to your value. Relief vets with advanced skills (such as surgery or emergency medicine) can command higher rates. If you’re bilingual, you might also find added opportunities—read more in our article on Spanish-Speaking Vets.
Overnights, weekends, and holidays are in higher demand and often come with premium rates. Relief vets should factor in the intensity of these shifts when setting prices.
Some clinics need short-notice coverage or expect relief vets to manage high caseloads. Both scenarios justify higher rates because of the increased pressure and responsibility.
During busy seasons—like summer vacation or holiday breaks—clinics may be more willing to pay top dollar for relief coverage.
While exact numbers vary, here’s a general idea of what relief vets might expect:
Hourly Pay: $50–$100 per hour
Daily Rates: $500–$900 per day
Overnights/Emergency: $800–$1,200 per shift
These averages are a starting point. For further insights, the American Veterinary Medical Association provides detailed compensation reports.
When it comes to setting your own rates, the goal is to stay competitive without underselling yourself. Here’s a step-by-step approach:
Relief work comes with overhead: licensing, insurance, CE requirements, taxes, and travel. Add up your annual expenses and factor them into your income goals. Your rate should cover not just take-home pay but also business costs. For tips on maximizing income, see our article on Relief Vet Salary: How to Earn More and Work Smarter.
You can also explore resources like the IRS Self-Employed Tax Center to better understand how taxes affect your bottom line.
Check job boards, talk to peers, and network with local clinics. If you’re not sure where to start, our guide on Veterinary Networking Tips is a great resource.
What sets you apart? Maybe you’re efficient with surgeries, experienced in emergency medicine, or bilingual with clients. These differentiators justify higher rates.
Establish a standard daily or hourly rate for routine shifts, then create premium rates for weekends, holidays, or last-minute calls. This transparency helps clinics understand what they’re paying for.
Be upfront about your rates before committing to a shift. Written agreements or confirmation emails reduce confusion and ensure smooth payment. For a smooth start at new clinics, you may also find our Relief Veterinarian First Day Tips useful.
Undercutting the market: Charging too little may secure shifts in the short term but devalues your work and hurts the profession long-term.
Not accounting for taxes and benefits: Unlike associates, relief vets don’t get health insurance or retirement contributions from clinics. Rates should reflect that.
Being inconsistent: Changing your rates without clear reasoning can frustrate clinics. Stick to a consistent structure.
If you’re worried about financial or emotional strain, check out our resource on Veterinary Burnout Prevention.
Sometimes, clinics will push back on rates. Here’s how to handle those conversations:
Stand firm on your value. If a clinic balks at your rate, explain what makes your services worth the investment.
Offer flexibility on scheduling. If you can’t lower your rate, maybe you can accommodate a shift length or timing that works for both sides.
Know when to walk away. Not every clinic will be a good fit. It’s better to wait for the right opportunity than to accept a rate that doesn’t sustain you.
For more strategies, read our guide on Relief Vet Work: Transition & Succeed in a Flexible Career.
At FlexVet Staffing, we understand that relief vets need clarity and fairness in setting veterinary pay rates. We help match vets with clinics that value their skills and pay competitively. With transparent job postings, ongoing support, and industry insights, FlexVet makes it easier for relief vets to thrive in today’s veterinary job market.
Setting competitive veterinary pay rates is one of the most important decisions a relief vet can make. It impacts your income, your work opportunities, and your professional satisfaction. By understanding the factors that shape pay, researching your market, and confidently communicating your value, you can establish rates that are fair to both you and the clinics you serve.
Relief work gives veterinarians flexibility and independence. With the right rates in place, it can also provide financial stability and long-term career growth.
