Dallas vs Arlington: Veterinarian Salary (2026)
Compare veterinarian salaries between Dallas, TX and Arlington, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Dallas, TX | Arlington, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $140,975▲ | $138,127 |
| Hourly Rate | $67.78▲ | $66.41 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $90,423▲ | $80,114 |
| 25th Percentile | $126,683▲ | $102,310 |
| 75th Percentile | $174,755 | $176,803▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $220,842▲ | $214,098 |
| Total Employed | 1,760▲ | 83 |
Verdict
Dallas, TX offers better overall compensation for veterinarians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Arlington.
The salary gap between Dallas and Arlington is $2,848 (2.06%). 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,Arlington spans $133,984. Arlington 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, Arlington ($143,882 effective) pays 5.22% more than Dallas ($136,749 effective).
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)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose Arlington if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $143,882)
- ✓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 12.3% growth in Arlington over the same period.
Dallas, TX
$97,460 (2019) → $133,550 (2025)
Arlington, TX
$116,541 (2024) → $130,852 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Dallas, TX
Arlington, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays veterinarians more: Dallas or Arlington?
What is the hourly rate difference between Dallas and Arlington?
Should I relocate from Dallas to Arlington as a veterinarian?
What do entry-level veterinarians earn in Dallas vs Arlington?
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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