Veterinarian Hourly Pay in Denton, TX: $62.43 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinarian working in Denton, TX runs $62.43 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $129,847 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1131). Weighted against Denton's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $65.03 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $77,910 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Denton, Texas, the veterinarian hourly rate is projected to be $62.43 in 2026, illustrating a competitive compensation structure when compared to the national median of $66.03 per hour. This median rate is particularly relevant for part-time veterinarians who may work a schedule of two to three days a week. For instance, a part-time veterinarian working 24 hours a week can expect to earn an income that might significantly enhance their flexibility and work-life balance. The hourly pay range in Denton spans from $36.21 for entry-level positions to about $96.76 for the top earners in various settings such as general practice exam rooms, surgical suites, and specialty hospitals. As salaries are estimated from annual data, these hourly figures provide critical insights for anyone considering employment in the veterinary field in Denton, whether in traditional clinics or specialized areas.
About the Denton 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) | $36.21 | $289.66 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $48.62 | $388.97 |
| Median (P50) | $62.43 | $499.43 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $79.91 | $639.27 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $96.76 | $774.05 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Denton
Based on $62.43/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $62.43/hr, a veterinarian working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Denton, TX can expect to earn approximately $129,851 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $74,914. With a cost-of-living index of 96.00 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Denton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Denton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,497.13 | $10,821 | $129,851 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,498.28 | $6,493 | $77,910 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $998.85 | $4,328 | $51,940 |
Compare DVM Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinarian (Denton) | $62.43 |
| Veterinary Technician (National Avg) | $19.39 |
| Physician (National Avg) | $113.07 |
| Dentist (National Avg) | $87.53 |
| Optometrist (National Avg) | $64.22 |
Veterinarians in Denton, TX earn a median of $129,847 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.45% lower than the national median of $137,334 and 0.60% below the Texas state average of $130,631.
Veterinarian Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $62.43/hr = $77,910/year (purchasing power: $81,157).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $129,851/year (purchasing power: $135,261).
CoL index: 96 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$43.39/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$59.14/hr
2026 Current Est.
$62.43/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+51.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinarians in Denton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.56% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $43.39/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $45.12/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $45.63/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $46.94/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $54.14/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $54.15/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $59.14/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $62.43/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $65.90/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinarians in Denton grew 36.3% from $43.39/hr (2019) to $59.14/hr (2025). At a 5.56% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $65.90/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 Denton 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 Denton
While 2026 estimates show promising hourly pay for veterinarians in Denton, the earning potential can vary significantly based on work arrangements and employer types. Part-time veterinarians working 24 hours a week could expect to earn around $77,300 annually, providing a solid alternative for those not wanting full-time commitments. On the other hand, per diem veterinarians often have access to lucrative rates ranging from $90 to $140 per hour in general practices, with specialty relief roles commanding even higher fees. For those specializing in surgery or emergency medicine, per diem pay can reach $150 to $250 per hour, making it a profitable avenue for skilled professionals. Hourly rates can also differ widely depending on the type of employer—from corporate chains like VCA and BluePearl to independent practices and larger institutions like universities. Therefore, some veterinarians may accept lower hourly wages in exchange for benefits such as health insurance, creating a trade-off that professionals should carefully consider. Negotiating based on these variables and understanding the market can empower veterinarians in Denton to make strategic choices about their careers.
More salary data for Denton, 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 Denton. 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 Denton 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