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Per Diem Veterinary Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

Per Diem Veterinary information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$12

$22

$33

How much do per diem veterinary jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for per diem veterinary in Riverside, CA is $22.64, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.56 and $25.82 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Can a vet make 300k a year?

Per diem veterinary roles typically do not offer salaries as high as 300,000 dollars annually, as they are often part-time or temporary positions with variable pay rates. Achieving such a high income usually requires full-time employment, specialized skills, or ownership of a veterinary practice. Most veterinarians earn between 80,000 and 150,000 dollars per year, depending on experience and location.

What is the difference between Per Diem Veterinary vs Emergency Veterinary Technician?

AspectPer Diem VeterinaryEmergency Veterinary Technician
CredentialsVeterinary Technician LicenseVeterinary Technician License
Work EnvironmentGeneral clinics, scheduled shiftsEmergency clinics, irregular hours
Employer & IndustryAnimal clinics, hospitals24/7 emergency hospitals
Work FocusRoutine care, scheduled proceduresCritical care, urgent procedures

Per Diem Veterinary roles typically involve scheduled, routine veterinary care in general clinics, while Emergency Veterinary Technicians work in urgent, high-pressure emergency settings. Both require veterinary technician credentials but differ mainly in work environment and focus.

How do per diem veterinary roles typically integrate into existing clinic teams, and what should I expect in terms of collaboration?

Per diem veterinarians often work alongside regular staff, filling in during peak times or when full-time doctors are unavailable. You can expect to quickly adapt to each clinic's protocols while collaborating closely with veterinary technicians and support staff to provide seamless patient care. Effective communication and flexibility are crucial, as you'll frequently encounter new team dynamics and workflows. This role is ideal for professionals who enjoy variety and are comfortable jumping into different environments with minimal onboarding.

Why are so many veterinarians quitting?

Many veterinarians are quitting due to high workload, emotional stress from patient outcomes, and burnout from long hours and administrative tasks. The demanding nature of the job, combined with relatively low pay and limited work-life balance, contributes to job dissatisfaction and turnover in the veterinary field.

Is 30 too late to be a vet?

Per Diem veterinary roles typically require a veterinary degree and licensure, which can be obtained at any age as long as the educational and licensing requirements are met. Age is generally not a barrier to becoming a veterinarian, though completing the necessary education and gaining experience are essential steps regardless of age.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Per Diem Veterinarian, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Per Diem Veterinarian, you need a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree, a valid veterinary license, and strong diagnostic and surgical skills. Familiarity with veterinary practice management software, digital radiography, and anesthesia monitoring equipment is typically required. Excellent communication, adaptability, and teamwork help per diem veterinarians integrate quickly into different clinical environments and build rapport with staff and clients. These skills and qualities are vital for delivering high-quality patient care and maintaining workflow efficiency in a variety of veterinary settings.

How much does a per diem vet make?

Per diem veterinary professionals typically earn between $30 and $70 per hour, depending on experience, location, and the type of facility. They often work flexible hours and may need to be licensed in the state where they practice.

What is a Per Diem Veterinary professional?

A Per Diem Veterinary professional is a veterinarian who works on an as-needed, temporary, or substitute basis rather than as a full-time or part-time permanent employee. These veterinarians typically fill in during staff shortages, busy periods, or when regular staff members are on leave. Per diem veterinarians may work at different clinics or hospitals and often have flexible schedules. This arrangement allows both the employer and the veterinarian to have flexibility in staffing and work-life balance.
What are the most commonly searched types of Veterinary jobs in Riverside, CA? The most popular types of Veterinary jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Per Diem Veterinary jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Per Diem Veterinary job openings:
Infographic showing various Per Diem Veterinary job openings in Riverside, CA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% Locum Tenens, 16% As Needed, 48% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 16% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,097 per year, or $22.6 per hour.
Per Diem Emergency Veterinary Assistant

Per Diem Emergency Veterinary Assistant

Ethos Veterinary Health

Grand Terrace, CA โ€ข On-site

$21 - $26/hr

Part-time

Posted 17 days ago


Job description

Per Diem Veterinary Assistant
Location: Grand Terrace, CA
Schedule: Evening, Weekend & Holiday Shifts Available (Minimum 2 shifts per month)About Animal Emergency Clinic (AEC)
Animal Emergency Clinic in Grand Terrace, CA is an AAHA-accredited emergency veterinary hospital serving the Inland Empire for over 50 years. Our dedicated and highly skilled emergency veterinary team provides exceptional after-hours care, with plans to expand to 24/7 emergency services in the near future.
As a Per Diem team member, you'll have the flexibility to pick up shifts throughout the week and month, while being a valued part of a collaborative and professional veterinary team.Compensation
  • Veterinary Assistant: $21-$26/hour (based on experience)
Key Responsibilities
  • Assist ER veterinarians and RVT's with advanced procedures and patient care
  • Perform technical and clinical skills under supervision
  • Monitor and assist with anesthetized and recovering patients
  • Accurately document treatments, observations, and patient progress
  • Maintain clean, safe, and well-stocked clinical areas
  • Contribute to a positive and professional team environment
Qualifications
  • Minimum 1+ year of experience in a veterinary hospital setting
  • Recent graduates with an Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Veterinary Technology considered
  • RVT certification desired but not required
  • Excellent interpersonal, communication, and teamwork skills
  • Ability to work independently and in a team in a fast-paced, high-stress environment
  • Strong computer skills for paperless record-keeping
  • Flexible, dependable, and responsible with strong time-management skills
Why Join Us
  • Flexible per diem schedule with evening, weekend, and holiday shifts
  • Opportunity to work with a highly skilled emergency veterinary team
  • Scrub allowance and continuing education opportunities
  • Inclusive, respectful, and supportive workplace culture

Ethos is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Ethos does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided based on qualifications, competence, merit, and business need.