Veterinarian Hourly Pay in Austin, TX: $67.62 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinarian working in Austin, TX runs $67.62 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $140,659 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1131). Weighted against Austin's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.1, 2% below national), each hour of work buys what $68.96 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $84,392 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Austin, TX, veterinarians can expect a competitive median hourly pay of $67.62, which is slightly above the national median hourly rate of $66.03. This figure highlights the financial viability of veterinary work in the region, especially for those seeking part-time roles, such as working three days a week, where the hourly pay can significantly contribute to a balanced income. Per-diem positions across various environments—including general practice exam rooms, surgical suites, specialty hospitals, and USDA inspection sites—can also provide flexible earning opportunities. The hourly compensation in Austin ranges from $43.31 for entry-level positions to $107.47 for those at the top of their field, offering a diverse landscape for veterinarians at different stages of their careers. This information is based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026.
Veterinarian Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $43.31 | $346.49 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $61.71 | $493.68 |
| Median (P50) | $67.62 | $540.97 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $83.23 | $665.87 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $107.47 | $859.77 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Austin
Based on $67.62/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $67.62/hr, a veterinarian working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Austin, TX can expect to earn approximately $140,653 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $81,146. With a cost-of-living index of 98.07 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Austin.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Austin
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,704.87 | $11,721 | $140,653 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,622.92 | $7,033 | $84,392 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,081.95 | $4,688 | $56,261 |
Compare DVM Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinarian (Austin) | $67.62 |
| Veterinary Technician (National Avg) | $19.39 |
| Physician (National Avg) | $113.07 |
| Dentist (National Avg) | $87.53 |
| Optometrist (National Avg) | $64.22 |
Veterinarians in Austin, TX earn a median of $140,659 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.42% higher than the national median of $137,334 and 7.70% above the Texas state average of $130,602.
Veterinarian Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $67.62/hr = $84,392/year (purchasing power: $86,056).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $140,653/year (purchasing power: $143,427).
CoL index: 98.066 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$49.55/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$64.06/hr
2026 Current Est.
$67.62/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+44.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinarians in Austin (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.56% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $49.55/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $54.71/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $50.60/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $50.31/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $61.87/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $59.80/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $64.06/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $67.62/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $71.38/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinarians in Austin grew 29.3% from $49.55/hr (2019) to $64.06/hr (2025). At a 5.56% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $71.38/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 Austin 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 Austin
Considering part-time work, a veterinarian operating on a three-day week schedule can earn a substantial income, but the total annual earnings will obviously differ from full-time colleagues. Per diem roles often yield higher earnings, with relief veterinarians charging $90-$140 per hour at general practices, while specialists may command rates as high as $150-$250 for highly skilled procedures. The hourly pay can vary notably across different employer types in Austin; larger corporate chains might provide steadier, albeit sometimes lower, rates compared to independent practices that may offer more flexibility and autonomy. Additionally, specialty hospitals might pay more but could lack the benefits found in larger organizations. When negotiating hourly pay, veterinarians should consider not just the figures but also factors like health insurance and job security associated with various types of employment. Understanding these dynamics can empower veterinary professionals in Austin to make informed choices about their career paths.
More salary data for Austin, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Austin. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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