Austin vs Fort Worth: Veterinarian Salary (2026)
Compare veterinarian salaries between Austin, TX and Fort Worth, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Austin, TX | Fort Worth, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $140,659▲ | $140,056 |
| Hourly Rate | $67.62▲ | $67.34 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $90,085▲ | $81,233 |
| 25th Percentile | $128,350▲ | $108,974 |
| 75th Percentile | $173,118 | $179,271▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $223,544▲ | $217,086 |
| Total Employed | 700▲ | 219 |
Verdict
Austin, TX offers better overall compensation for veterinarians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Fort Worth.
The salary gap between Austin and Fort Worth is $603 (0.43%). Austin's median is +2.42% compared to the US national median of $137,334.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Austin spans $133,459,Fort Worth spans $135,853. Fort Worth has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced veterinarians.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Fort Worth ($145,892 effective) pays 1.71% more than Austin ($143,433 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Austin if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($140,659/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($223,544)
- ✓Larger job market (700 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose Fort Worth if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $145,892)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinarian salaries in Austin grew 29.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 9.2% growth in Fort Worth over the same period.
Austin, TX
$103,070 (2019) → $133,250 (2025)
Fort Worth, TX
$121,545 (2024) → $132,679 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Austin, TX
Fort Worth, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays veterinarians more: Austin or Fort Worth?
What is the hourly rate difference between Austin and Fort Worth?
Should I relocate from Austin to Fort Worth as a veterinarian?
What do entry-level veterinarians earn in Austin vs Fort Worth?
Related Comparisons
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
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.56% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Dr. Alice Nguyen, DVM, a licensed veterinarian with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov