Veterinarian Hourly Pay in Delaware, OH: $63.81 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinarian working in Delaware, OH runs $63.81 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $132,718 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1131). Weighted against Delaware's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.7, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $70.35 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $79,636 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Delaware, OH, veterinarians can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $63.81, which is slightly lower than the national hourly median of $66.03. This rate reflects the earning potential within various settings, including general practice exam rooms, surgical suites, and specialty hospitals. For part-time veterinarians working three days a week, typically around 24 hours, this translates to a stable income, while per-diem veterinarians may find themselves earning between $37.01 and $98.90 per hour depending on their experience and the type of practice. The variance in hourly pay can also provide opportunities for entry-level veterinarians and seasoned professionals alike, allowing for a range of earnings in Delaware’s veterinary field.
About the Delaware Market
Salary estimated from Ohio average ($112,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Veterinarian Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37.01 | $296.07 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $52.15 | $417.17 |
| Median (P50) | $63.81 | $510.49 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $79.21 | $633.70 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $98.90 | $791.19 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Delaware
Based on $63.81/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $63.81/hr, a veterinarian working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Delaware, OH can expect to earn approximately $132,727 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $76,573. With a cost-of-living index of 90.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Delaware.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Delaware
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,552.44 | $11,061 | $132,727 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,531.46 | $6,636 | $79,636 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,020.98 | $4,424 | $53,091 |
Compare DVM Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinarian (Delaware) | $63.81 |
| Veterinary Technician (National Avg) | $19.39 |
| Physician (National Avg) | $113.07 |
| Dentist (National Avg) | $87.53 |
| Optometrist (National Avg) | $64.22 |
Veterinarians in Delaware, OH earn a median of $132,718 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.36% lower than the national median of $137,334 and 1.30% below the Ohio state average of $134,467.
Veterinarian Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $63.81/hr = $79,636/year (purchasing power: $87,802).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $132,727/year (purchasing power: $146,336).
CoL index: 90.7 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$44.35/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$60.45/hr
2026 Current Est.
$63.81/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+51.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinarians in Delaware (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.56% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44.35/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $46.12/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $46.64/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $47.98/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $55.34/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $48.23/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $60.45/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $63.81/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67.36/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinarians in Delaware grew 36.3% from $44.35/hr (2019) to $60.45/hr (2025). At a 5.56% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $67.36/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 Delaware 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 Delaware
Considering the financial landscape for veterinarians, those working part-time can expect an annual take-home considerably less than full-time counterparts. For example, a veterinarian working 24 hours a week at the median hourly rate essentially pulls in significantly lower yearly earnings than their full-time colleagues. However, relief and locum veterinarians can often capitalize on per diem structures, billing anywhere from $90 to $140 per hour at general practices and reaching as high as $250 for specialized roles in surgery or emergency care. The variations in hourly pay across employer types in Delaware highlight a competitive market, where corporate practices may offer benefits that come at the cost of lower hourly wages compared to independent clinics. When negotiating, veterinarians should consider their priorities—whether seeking higher hourly pay at the expense of benefits or a more stable income with insurance options—and tailor their approach accordingly to maximize their overall compensation package.
More salary data for Delaware, OH:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinarians in Delaware in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinarians make in Delaware?
Are veterinarians in Delaware paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinarian make per year in Delaware?
Do veterinarians earn more per hour working part-time in Delaware?
Related Pages
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Career Resources
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 Delaware. 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 Delaware 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