Arlington vs Houston: Veterinarian Salary (2026)
Compare veterinarian salaries between Arlington, TX and Houston, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Arlington, TX | Houston, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $138,127 | $139,635▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $66.41 | $67.13▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $80,114 | $85,915▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $102,310 | $125,954▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $176,803 | $180,402▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $214,098 | $219,206▲ |
| Total Employed | 83 | 1,340▲ |
Verdict
Houston, TX offers better overall compensation for veterinarians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Arlington.
The salary gap between Arlington and Houston is $1,508 (1.09%). 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 Arlington spans $133,984,Houston spans $133,291. Arlington has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Arlington ($143,882 effective) pays 1.63% 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 Arlington if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $143,882)
- ✓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)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinarian salaries in Arlington grew 12.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -3.8% growth in Houston over the same period.
Arlington, TX
$116,541 (2024) → $130,852 (2025)
Houston, TX
$137,470 (2019) → $132,280 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Arlington, TX
Houston, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays veterinarians more: Arlington or Houston?
What is the hourly rate difference between Arlington and Houston?
Should I relocate from Arlington to Houston as a veterinarian?
What do entry-level veterinarians earn in Arlington vs Houston?
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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.
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