Veterinarian Hourly Pay in Richardson, TX: $63.56 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinarian working in Richardson, TX runs $63.56 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $132,200 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1131). Weighted against Richardson's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $66.21 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $79,320 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Richardson, Texas, veterinarians command a median hourly rate of $63.56, which comes in slightly lower than the national median of $66.03 per hour. This rate is especially significant for those working part-time or per diem, as it can stabilize income across varied settings such as general practice exam rooms, surgical suites, and even equine ambulatory visits. The hourly rate spans a range from $36.86 for entry-level positions to $98.52 for experienced professionals. This range reflects the diverse responsibilities and environments in which veterinarians operate, making it a viable career option for both full-time and flexible work arrangements, whether in a city clinic or at a specialty referral hospital.
About the Richardson 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) | $36.86 | $294.89 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50.85 | $406.79 |
| Median (P50) | $63.56 | $508.46 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $81.11 | $648.90 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $98.52 | $788.15 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Richardson
Based on $63.56/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $63.56/hr, a veterinarian working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Richardson, TX can expect to earn approximately $132,200 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $76,269. With a cost-of-living index of 96.00 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Richardson.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Richardson
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,542.31 | $11,017 | $132,200 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,525.38 | $6,610 | $79,320 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,016.92 | $4,407 | $52,880 |
Compare DVM Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinarian (Richardson) | $63.56 |
| Veterinary Technician (National Avg) | $19.39 |
| Physician (National Avg) | $113.07 |
| Dentist (National Avg) | $87.53 |
| Optometrist (National Avg) | $64.22 |
Veterinarians in Richardson, TX earn a median of $132,200 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.74% lower than the national median of $137,334 and 1.20% above the Texas state average of $130,633.
Veterinarian Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $63.56/hr = $79,320/year (purchasing power: $82,625).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $132,200/year (purchasing power: $137,708).
CoL index: 96 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$44.18/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$60.21/hr
2026 Current Est.
$63.56/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+51.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinarians in Richardson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.56% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44.18/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $45.93/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $46.45/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $47.79/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $55.12/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $55.14/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $60.21/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $63.56/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67.09/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinarians in Richardson grew 36.3% from $44.18/hr (2019) to $60.21/hr (2025). At a 5.56% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $67.09/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 Richardson 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 Richardson
Part-time veterinarians in Richardson often work about three days per week, leading to a substantial annual income despite being less than full-time peers. For example, working a 24-hour week enables these professionals to generate a comfortable income while maintaining work-life balance. Meanwhile, the per diem or relief veterinarian market is flourishing, with hourly rates ranging from $90 to $140 at general practices, and specialist relief work attracting rates as high as $250 for more advanced skills. Variations in hourly pay can occur based on employer types, as corporate practices may offer more consistent benefits, while independent clinics might negotiate rates depending on their financial situations. Understanding these dynamics reveals why some veterinarians may prefer lower hourly wages with health benefits, while others prioritize higher pay for freelance work with no strings attached. Being informed about market trends and negotiation strategies can be advantageous for any veterinarian looking to evaluate their pay or seek better opportunities in Richardson's evolving veterinary scene.
More salary data for Richardson, 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 Richardson. 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 Richardson 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