Veterinarian Salary

Austin vs Murphy: Veterinarian Salary (2026)

Compare veterinarian salaries between Austin, TX and Murphy, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Austin, TX
$140,659
$67.62/hr
Murphy, TX
$120,721
$58.04/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAustin, TXMurphy, TX
Median Salary$140,659$120,721
Hourly Rate$67.62$58.04
Entry Level (P10)$90,085$75,180
25th Percentile$128,350$97,779
75th Percentile$173,118$152,263
Top Earner (P90)$223,544$187,117
Total Employed7005
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Austin ($140,659) and Murphy ($120,721) veterinarian salaries.AustinMurphyMedian Salary$140,659$120,721Entry Level (P10)$90,085$75,180Top Earner (P90)$223,544$187,117US Median $137,334

Verdict

Austin, TX offers better overall compensation for veterinarians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Murphy.

The salary gap between Austin and Murphy is $19,938 (16.52%). 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,Murphy spans $111,937. Austin has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Austin
P10 (Entry)$90,085
P25$128,350
Median$140,659
P75$173,118
P90 (Top)$223,544
Murphy
P10 (Entry)$75,180
P25$97,779
Median$120,721
P75$152,263
P90 (Top)$187,117

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Austin ($143,433 effective) pays 14.06% more than Murphy ($125,751 effective).

Austin
Nominal: $140,659
CoL Index: 98.066
Adjusted: $143,433
Murphy
Nominal: $120,721
CoL Index: 96
Adjusted: $125,751

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)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $143,433)
  • You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle

Choose Murphy if…

  • 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 Murphy over the same period.

Austin, TX

+29.3%

$103,070 (2019) → $133,250 (2025)

Murphy, TX

+9.2%

$104,724 (2024) → $114,362 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays veterinarians more: Austin or Murphy?

Austin has a higher median veterinarian salary at $140,659/year, compared to Murphy at $120,721/year — a difference of $19,938 (16.52%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Austin and Murphy?

Austin veterinarians earn $67.62/hr while Murphy hygienists earn $58.04/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Austin to Murphy as a veterinarian?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Austin and Murphy. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Austin = $143,433, Murphy = $125,751), job availability (700 vs 5 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level veterinarians earn in Austin vs Murphy?

Entry-level (10th percentile) veterinarians earn $90,085 in Austin and $75,180 in Murphy. The Austin area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

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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.

Clinically reviewed by Dr. Samuel Patel, DVMData verified by Dr. Maria Gomez, DVM

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