The Question Every Vet Asks Before Making the Switch
Income is the most practical consideration when a veterinarian thinks about moving from full-time to relief work. The question is straightforward but the answer depends on a few variables: your experience level, the regions you are willing to cover, your availability, and the types of clinics you work with.
What we can say with confidence, based on YNV’s experience in the Washington and Oregon markets, is that the majority of relief DVMs earn as much or more than they did in their previous full-time positions while working fewer days.
What the Numbers Generally Look Like
Relief DVMs in Washington and Oregon consistently earn a meaningfully higher income than their full-time associate counterparts, often 30 to 50 percent more on an annualized basis, even when working fewer days per week.
At Your Neighbor Vet, we do not reserve premium pay for holidays or high-demand weeks. We pay at a premium rate year-round, which means every shift contributes to a stronger earning picture not just the ones that fall on a long weekend.
For veterinarians weighing the benefits question, Your Neighbor Vet offers W-2 employment with full benefits and retirement plan options, so you are not trading income security for flexibility. If you prefer to work as an independent contractor, 1099 arrangements are available as well. You choose the structure that makes the most sense for your situation.
The Honest Caveat
Building a strong relief income independently does not happen overnight. The first few months are typically about establishing your clinic relationships and finding your rhythm. Your Neighbor Vet shortens that ramp-up considerably by matching you to clinics where the fit is strong from the start which means those relationships develop faster and your schedule fills more quickly. We are invested in making your relief career financially solid from day one, not just eventually.
Ready to take the next step?
Get real numbers for your specific situation. Reach out to Your Neighbor Vet at 425-448-8882 or yourneighborvet.com and let us walk you through what relief income could look like for your experience and availability.
Related reading: Building Income Stability as a Relief Vet · Top Pay, Flexible Hours: The Relief Vet Advantage