Veterinarian Hourly Pay in Austin, MN: $62.40 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinarian working in Austin, MN runs $62.40 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $129,794 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 98.5, 1% below national), each hour of work buys what $63.35 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $77,871 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Austin, Minnesota, veterinarians are projected to earn a median hourly pay of $62.40 in 2026. This figure is slightly below the national median of $66.03 per hour, reflecting regional economic conditions and cost of living factors. For those working part-time, such as a veterinarian on a three-day workweek, the overall financial takeaway can still be substantial, allowing for a decent lifestyle while accommodating flexibility in work-life balance. The hourly wage can range from about $36.20 at entry-level positions to as high as $96.72 for more experienced veterinarians. Such rates are indicative of various working environments, which include general practice exam rooms, surgical suites, and specialty referral hospitals, providing opportunities for diverse clinical experiences.
About the Austin Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($124,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Veterinarian Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $36.20 | $289.57 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $47.73 | $381.87 |
| Median (P50) | $62.40 | $499.17 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $77.89 | $623.14 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $96.72 | $773.80 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Austin
Based on $62.40/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $62.40/hr, a veterinarian working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Austin, MN can expect to earn approximately $129,785 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $74,876. With a cost-of-living index of 98.50 (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) | $2,495.86 | $10,815 | $129,785 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,497.52 | $6,489 | $77,871 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $998.34 | $4,326 | $51,914 |
Compare DVM Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinarian (Austin) | $62.40 |
| Veterinary Technician (National Avg) | $19.39 |
| Physician (National Avg) | $113.07 |
| Dentist (National Avg) | $87.53 |
| Optometrist (National Avg) | $64.22 |
Veterinarians in Austin, MN earn a median of $129,794 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.49% lower than the national median of $137,334 and 5.40% below the Minnesota state average of $137,203.
Veterinarian Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $62.40/hr = $77,871/year (purchasing power: $79,057).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $129,785/year (purchasing power: $131,761).
CoL index: 98.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$43.37/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$59.11/hr
2026 Current Est.
$62.40/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+51.9%
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 | $43.37/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $45.09/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $45.60/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $46.92/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $54.11/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $55.54/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $59.11/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $62.40/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $65.87/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinarians in Austin grew 36.3% from $43.37/hr (2019) to $59.11/hr (2025). At a 5.56% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $65.87/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
Examining the financial landscape further, a veterinarian working part-time for 24 hours a week can expect to earn around $79,228 annually, an amount that still renders a viable income compared to full-time colleagues. Alternatively, per diem veterinarians in Austin can command significantly higher rates; relief practitioners at general practices typically bill $90-$140 per hour, while those skilled in specialty services might earn upwards of $150-$250 per hour. It's essential to consider how employer type influences these hourly rates, with corporate practices sometimes offering lower pay but better benefits compared to independent clinics. Negotiating pay in Austin can hinge on understanding these dynamics; veterinarians seeking to maximize income should weigh the benefits of higher hourly pay against securing health insurance and other benefits that may come with corporate employment.
More salary data for Austin, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinarians in Austin in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinarians make in Austin?
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Related Pages
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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
Salary data for Austin 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