Veterinarian Hourly Pay in Rock Island, IL: $63.29 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinarian working in Rock Island, IL runs $63.29 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $131,648 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1131). Weighted against Rock Island's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $65.18 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $78,991 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Rock Island, Illinois, the median veterinarian hourly pay is estimated to be $63.29 in 2026, slightly lower than the national median of $66.03. This rate reflects the local market dynamics for veterinarians working in various environments, including general practice exam rooms, surgical suites, and specialty referral hospitals. For part-time veterinarians working three days a week, this hourly pay translates to a significant earning potential, offering flexibility while still providing a reasonable income. The hourly range for veterinarians in Rock Island spans from $36.71 for entry-level positions to $98.11 for top-tier earners, allowing for varied compensation based on experience and specialty. Such figures are derived from annual salary data, emphasizing the economic framework within which local veterinary professionals operate.
About the Rock Island Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($122,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Veterinarian Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $36.71 | $293.71 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51.89 | $415.15 |
| Median (P50) | $63.29 | $506.35 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $78.74 | $629.90 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $98.11 | $784.86 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Rock Island
Based on $63.29/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $63.29/hr, a veterinarian working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Rock Island, IL can expect to earn approximately $131,651 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $75,953. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Rock Island.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Rock Island
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,531.75 | $10,971 | $131,651 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,519.05 | $6,583 | $78,991 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,012.70 | $4,388 | $52,660 |
Compare DVM Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinarian (Rock Island) | $63.29 |
| Veterinary Technician (National Avg) | $19.39 |
| Physician (National Avg) | $113.07 |
| Dentist (National Avg) | $87.53 |
| Optometrist (National Avg) | $64.22 |
Veterinarians in Rock Island, IL earn a median of $131,648 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.14% lower than the national median of $137,334 and 6.00% below the Illinois state average of $140,051.
Veterinarian Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $63.29/hr = $78,991/year (purchasing power: $81,350).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $131,651/year (purchasing power: $135,583).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$44.00/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$59.96/hr
2026 Current Est.
$63.29/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+51.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinarians in Rock Island (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.56% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44.00/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $45.74/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $46.26/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $47.59/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $54.89/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $55.35/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $59.96/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $63.29/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $66.81/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinarians in Rock Island grew 36.3% from $44.00/hr (2019) to $59.96/hr (2025). At a 5.56% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $66.81/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 Rock Island 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 Rock Island
Veterinarians in Rock Island can choose to work part-time or as per-diem, impacting their overall earnings. A vet working 24 hours a week at this hourly rate could expect to take home a substantial income, though less than that of a full-time counterpart. Flexible opportunities abound for per-diem or relief veterinarians, with common bill rates ranging from $90 to $140 per hour in general practices, and specialty relief rates reaching upwards of $150 to $250 per hour. The diversity in employer types significantly influences hourly pay, with corporate chains potentially offering lower pay compared to independent clinics and specialty hospitals. While some veterinarians may opt for a lower hourly rate in exchange for benefits such as health insurance, others may pursue opportunities that promise higher hourly compensation without additional perks. For those negotiating their pay in Rock Island, emphasizing unique skill sets and experience, especially in a market shaped by corporate consolidation trends, can lead to superior compensation packages.
More salary data for Rock Island, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinarians in Rock Island in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinarians make in Rock Island?
Are veterinarians in Rock Island paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinarian make per year in Rock Island?
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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 Rock Island. 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 Rock Island 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