Healthcare Delaware (DE) Rank #15 of 50

Veterinarian Salary in Delaware

The median veterinarian salary in Delaware is $106,358 per year, which is 3.0% above the national median of $103,260.

Median Salary
$106,358
vs National
+$3,098
State Rank
#15 of 50
Cost of Living
101%

Veterinarian Salary Overview in Delaware (2026)

Delaware ranks #15 out of 50 states for veterinarian compensation. Delaware falls in the middle of the pack for veterinarian pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $106,358 per year, veterinarians in Delaware earn $3,098 more than the national median of $103,260.

Delaware's cost of living is near the national average at 101%, meaning veterinarian salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.

The salary spread in Delaware is significant: veterinarians at the 10th percentile earn $67,156, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $179,426 — a $112,270 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Delaware for this role is Wilmington, where the median reaches $110,488.

Nationally, veterinarian employment is projected to grow 19% over the next decade (much faster than average). This strong growth suggests increasing demand and competitive salaries in Delaware and beyond.

Veterinarian Salary in Delaware by Experience

In Delaware, an entry-level veterinarian earns around $70,040, while experienced professionals earn up to $159,650 per year. The cost of living index in Delaware is 101% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$70,040
+$2,040 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$108,150
+$3,150 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$159,650
+$4,650 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Delaware

Percentile DE Salary
10th Percentile $67,156
25th Percentile $82,812
Median (50th) $106,358
75th Percentile $138,432
90th Percentile $179,426

Veterinarian Salary by City in Delaware

The largest employment areas for veterinarians in Delaware include Wilmington, Dover, Newark, and Middletown. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Veterinarian in Delaware

Education

Most veterinarian positions require a doctoral degree. Delaware has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

DiagnosisSurgeryPharmacologyAnimal HandlingClient CommunicationRadiology

Job Outlook in Delaware

Nationally, veterinarian employment is projected to grow 19% over the next decade (much faster than average). Delaware's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Veterinarian Salary in Delaware

How much does a Veterinarian make in Delaware? ▼
The median veterinarian salary in Delaware is $106,358 per year, which is 3.0% above the national median of $103,260. Salaries range from $67,156 (10th percentile) to $179,426 (90th percentile).
How much does a Veterinarian make per hour in Delaware? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $106,358, a veterinarian in Delaware earns approximately $51 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Delaware a good state for veterinarians? ▼
Delaware ranks #15 out of 50 states for veterinarian pay. The cost of living index is 101% of the national average. Entry-level veterinarians earn $70,040, while senior professionals earn $159,650.
How does Delaware compare to other states for veterinarian salary? ▼
The highest paying state for veterinarians is Hawaii at $183,803. Delaware's median of $106,358 ranks #15 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Colorado ($110,488) and Virginia ($109,456).
What is the entry-level veterinarian salary in Delaware? ▼
An entry-level veterinarian in Delaware earns approximately $70,040 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $108,150. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $159,650.
What city in Delaware pays veterinarians the most? ▼
Wilmington is the highest paying city in Delaware for veterinarians, with a median salary of $110,488. Other cities include Dover and Newark.