Austin vs The Woodlands: Veterinarian Salary (2026)
Compare veterinarian salaries between Austin, TX and The Woodlands, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Austin, TX | The Woodlands, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $140,659▲ | $137,965 |
| Hourly Rate | $67.62▲ | $66.33 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $90,085▲ | $80,020 |
| 25th Percentile | $128,350▲ | $108,022 |
| 75th Percentile | $173,118 | $176,594▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $223,544▲ | $213,846 |
| Total Employed | 700▲ | 21 |
Verdict
Austin, TX offers better overall compensation for veterinarians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to The Woodlands.
The salary gap between Austin and The Woodlands is $2,694 (1.95%). 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,The Woodlands spans $133,826. The Woodlands 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, The Woodlands ($143,714 effective) pays 0.20% more than Austin ($143,433 effective).
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)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose The Woodlands if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $143,714)
- ✓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 15.6% growth in The Woodlands over the same period.
Austin, TX
$103,070 (2019) → $133,250 (2025)
The Woodlands, TX
$113,044 (2024) → $130,698 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Austin, TX
The Woodlands, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays veterinarians more: Austin or The Woodlands?
What is the hourly rate difference between Austin and The Woodlands?
Should I relocate from Austin to The Woodlands as a veterinarian?
What do entry-level veterinarians earn in Austin vs The Woodlands?
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