Veterinarian Hourly Pay in Del Rio, TX: $61.81 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinarian working in Del Rio, TX runs $61.81 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $128,555 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1131). Weighted against Del Rio's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $64.38 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $77,133 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Del Rio, Texas, the projected median hourly pay for veterinarians in 2026 is $61.81, which is somewhat lower than the national median of $66.03. This hourly rate provides a solid foundation for those working in various settings, such as general practice exam rooms, surgical suites, and equine ambulatory visits. For part-time veterinarians working three days a week, or per-diem professionals covering shifts, this rate translates into a steady income while offering flexibility in their schedules. Entry-level veterinarians in Del Rio can expect to earn around $35.85 per hour, while more experienced professionals may command rates approaching $95.80 per hour, exemplifying the broad spectrum of compensation opportunities available in this region.
About the Del Rio Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($118,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Veterinarian Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $35.85 | $286.79 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $47.88 | $383.06 |
| Median (P50) | $61.81 | $494.44 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $76.46 | $611.66 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $95.80 | $766.37 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Del Rio
Based on $61.81/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $61.81/hr, a veterinarian working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Del Rio, TX can expect to earn approximately $128,555 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $74,166. With a cost-of-living index of 96.00 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Del Rio.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Del Rio
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,472.22 | $10,713 | $128,555 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,483.33 | $6,428 | $77,133 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $988.89 | $4,285 | $51,422 |
Compare DVM Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinarian (Del Rio) | $61.81 |
| Veterinary Technician (National Avg) | $19.39 |
| Physician (National Avg) | $113.07 |
| Dentist (National Avg) | $87.53 |
| Optometrist (National Avg) | $64.22 |
Veterinarians in Del Rio, TX earn a median of $128,555 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.39% lower than the national median of $137,334 and 1.60% below the Texas state average of $130,646.
Veterinarian Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $61.81/hr = $77,133/year (purchasing power: $80,347).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $128,555/year (purchasing power: $133,912).
CoL index: 96 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$42.96/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$58.55/hr
2026 Current Est.
$61.81/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+51.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinarians in Del Rio (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.56% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42.96/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $44.67/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $45.17/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $46.47/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $53.60/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $53.62/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $58.55/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61.81/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $65.24/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinarians in Del Rio grew 36.3% from $42.96/hr (2019) to $58.55/hr (2025). At a 5.56% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $65.24/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 Del Rio 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 Del Rio
When evaluating the earnings potential for veterinarians in Del Rio, part-time positions often yield a different financial outcome compared to full-time roles. For instance, a veterinarian working 24 hours a week could expect to bring home approximately $75,000 annually, a figure significantly lower than the earnings of their full-time counterparts. Many relief or locum veterinarians find themselves in a lucrative niche, billing anywhere from $90 to $140 per hour for general practice work, with specialty relief roles earning even more—$150 to $250 per hour. This trend is particularly relevant as corporate practices and specialty hospitals draw talent from independent clinics, wherein pay scales can differ dramatically. Furthermore, veterinarians may opt for lower hourly rates tied to positions offering benefits such as health insurance. Negotiating pay rates, particularly for part-time or per-diem work, should consider market demand and the specific employer's compensation policies in Del Rio, where corporate chains increasingly dominate the veterinary landscape.
More salary data for Del Rio, 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 Del Rio. 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 Del Rio 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