Houston vs Fort Worth: Veterinarian Salary (2026)
Compare veterinarian salaries between Houston, TX and Fort Worth, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Houston, TX | Fort Worth, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $139,635 | $140,056▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $67.13 | $67.34▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $85,915▲ | $81,233 |
| 25th Percentile | $125,954▲ | $108,974 |
| 75th Percentile | $180,402▲ | $179,271 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $219,206▲ | $217,086 |
| Total Employed | 1,340▲ | 219 |
Verdict
Houston and Fort Worth are closely matched on overall veterinarian compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Houston and Fort Worth is $421 (0.30%). Fort Worth's median is +1.98% compared to the US national median of $137,334.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Houston spans $133,291,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 3.05% more than Houston ($141,576 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Houston if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($219,206)
- ✓Larger job market (1,340 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose Fort Worth if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($140,056/year)
- ✓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 Houston grew -3.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 9.2% growth in Fort Worth over the same period.
Houston, TX
$137,470 (2019) → $132,280 (2025)
Fort Worth, TX
$121,545 (2024) → $132,679 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Houston, TX
Fort Worth, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays veterinarians more: Houston or Fort Worth?
What is the hourly rate difference between Houston and Fort Worth?
Should I relocate from Houston to Fort Worth as a veterinarian?
What do entry-level veterinarians earn in Houston 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