Veterinarian Salary

Dallas vs Del Rio: Veterinarian Salary (2026)

Compare veterinarian salaries between Dallas, TX and Del Rio, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Dallas, TX
$140,975
$67.78/hr
Del Rio, TX
$128,555
$61.81/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricDallas, TXDel Rio, TX
Median Salary$140,975$128,555
Hourly Rate$67.78$61.81
Entry Level (P10)$90,423$74,562
25th Percentile$126,683$99,595
75th Percentile$174,755$159,023
Top Earner (P90)$220,842$199,260
Total Employed1,7609
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Dallas ($140,975) and Del Rio ($128,555) veterinarian salaries.DallasDel RioMedian Salary$140,975$128,555Entry Level (P10)$90,423$74,562Top Earner (P90)$220,842$199,260US Median $137,334

Verdict

Dallas, TX offers better overall compensation for veterinarians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Del Rio.

The salary gap between Dallas and Del Rio is $12,420 (9.66%). Dallas's median is +2.65% compared to the US national median of $137,334.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Dallas spans $130,419,Del Rio spans $124,698. Dallas has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Dallas
P10 (Entry)$90,423
P25$126,683
Median$140,975
P75$174,755
P90 (Top)$220,842
Del Rio
P10 (Entry)$74,562
P25$99,595
Median$128,555
P75$159,023
P90 (Top)$199,260

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Dallas ($136,749 effective) pays 2.12% more than Del Rio ($133,911 effective).

Dallas
Nominal: $140,975
CoL Index: 103.09
Adjusted: $136,749
Del Rio
Nominal: $128,555
CoL Index: 96
Adjusted: $133,911

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Dallas if…

  • Higher median salary ($140,975/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($220,842)
  • Larger job market (1,760 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $136,749)
  • You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle

Choose Del Rio if…

  • You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinarian salaries in Dallas grew 37.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 9.2% growth in Del Rio over the same period.

Dallas, TX

+37.0%

$97,460 (2019) → $133,550 (2025)

Del Rio, TX

+9.2%

$111,521 (2024) → $121,784 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays veterinarians more: Dallas or Del Rio?

Dallas has a higher median veterinarian salary at $140,975/year, compared to Del Rio at $128,555/year — a difference of $12,420 (9.66%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Dallas and Del Rio?

Dallas veterinarians earn $67.78/hr while Del Rio hygienists earn $61.81/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Dallas to Del Rio as a veterinarian?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Dallas and Del Rio. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Dallas = $136,749, Del Rio = $133,911), job availability (1,760 vs 9 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level veterinarians earn in Dallas vs Del Rio?

Entry-level (10th percentile) veterinarians earn $90,423 in Dallas and $74,562 in Del Rio. The Dallas 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