Healthcare Texas (TX) Rank #25 of 50

Veterinarian Salary in Texas

The median veterinarian salary in Texas is $97,064 per year, which is 6% below the national median of $103,260.

Median Salary
$97,064
vs National
$-6,196
State Rank
#25 of 50
Cost of Living
92%

Veterinarian Salary Overview in Texas (2026)

Texas ranks #25 out of 50 states for veterinarian compensation. Texas falls in the middle of the pack for veterinarian pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $97,064 per year, veterinarians in Texas earn $6,196 less than the national median of $103,260.

A key advantage of working in Texas is its below-average cost of living (92% of the national index). This means the $97,064 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $105,504 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Texas is significant: veterinarians at the 10th percentile earn $61,288, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $163,748 — a $102,460 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Texas for this role is Austin, 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 Texas and beyond.

Veterinarian Salary in Texas by Experience

In Texas, an entry-level veterinarian earns around $63,920, while experienced professionals earn up to $145,700 per year. The cost of living index in Texas is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$63,920
$-4,080 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$98,700
$-6,300 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$145,700
$-9,300 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Texas

Percentile TX Salary
10th Percentile $61,288
25th Percentile $75,576
Median (50th) $97,064
75th Percentile $126,336
90th Percentile $163,748

Veterinarian Salary by City in Texas

The largest employment areas for veterinarians in Texas include Houston, Dallas, Austin, and San Antonio. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Veterinarian in Texas

Education

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

Key Skills

DiagnosisSurgeryPharmacologyAnimal HandlingClient CommunicationRadiology

Job Outlook in Texas

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Veterinarian Salary in Texas

How much does a Veterinarian make in Texas? ▼
The median veterinarian salary in Texas is $97,064 per year, which is 6% below the national median of $103,260. Salaries range from $61,288 (10th percentile) to $163,748 (90th percentile).
How much does a Veterinarian make per hour in Texas? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $97,064, a veterinarian in Texas earns approximately $47 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Texas a good state for veterinarians? ▼
Texas ranks #25 out of 50 states for veterinarian pay. The cost of living index is 92% of the national average. Entry-level veterinarians earn $63,920, while senior professionals earn $145,700.
How does Texas compare to other states for veterinarian salary? ▼
The highest paying state for veterinarians is Hawaii at $183,803. Texas's median of $97,064 ranks #25 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Illinois ($100,162) and Utah ($100,162).
What is the entry-level veterinarian salary in Texas? ▼
An entry-level veterinarian in Texas earns approximately $63,920 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $98,700. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $145,700.
What city in Texas pays veterinarians the most? ▼
Austin is the highest paying city in Texas for veterinarians, with a median salary of $110,488. Other cities include Houston and Dallas.