Veterinarian Salary

Allen vs Houston: Veterinarian Salary (2026)

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

Allen, TX
$130,196
$62.60/hr
Houston, TX
$139,635
$67.13/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAllen, TXHouston, TX
Median Salary$130,196$139,635
Hourly Rate$62.60$67.13
Entry Level (P10)$75,513$85,915
25th Percentile$101,803$125,954
75th Percentile$166,651$180,402
Top Earner (P90)$201,803$219,206
Total Employed191,340
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Allen ($130,196) and Houston ($139,635) veterinarian salaries.AllenHoustonMedian Salary$130,196$139,635Entry Level (P10)$75,513$85,915Top Earner (P90)$201,803$219,206US Median $137,334

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Allen and Houston is $9,439 (7.25%). Houston's median is +1.68% compared to the US national median of $137,334.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Allen spans $126,290,Houston spans $133,291. Houston has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced veterinarians.

Allen
P10 (Entry)$75,513
P25$101,803
Median$130,196
P75$166,651
P90 (Top)$201,803
Houston
P10 (Entry)$85,915
P25$125,954
Median$139,635
P75$180,402
P90 (Top)$219,206

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Houston ($141,576 effective) pays 4.39% more than Allen ($135,621 effective).

Allen
Nominal: $130,196
CoL Index: 96
Adjusted: $135,621
Houston
Nominal: $139,635
CoL Index: 98.629
Adjusted: $141,576

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Allen if…

  • You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle

Choose Houston if…

  • Higher median salary ($139,635/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($219,206)
  • Larger job market (1,340 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $141,576)
  • You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinarian salaries in Allen grew 9.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -3.8% growth in Houston over the same period.

Allen, TX

+9.2%

$112,944 (2024) → $123,338 (2025)

Houston, TX

+-3.8%

$137,470 (2019) → $132,280 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays veterinarians more: Allen or Houston?

Houston has a higher median veterinarian salary at $139,635/year, compared to Allen at $130,196/year — a difference of $9,439 (7.25%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Allen and Houston?

Allen veterinarians earn $62.60/hr while Houston hygienists earn $67.13/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Allen to Houston as a veterinarian?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Allen and Houston. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Allen = $135,621, Houston = $141,576), job availability (19 vs 1,340 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level veterinarians earn in Allen vs Houston?

Entry-level (10th percentile) veterinarians earn $75,513 in Allen and $85,915 in Houston. The Houston area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

AN

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