Veterinarian Salary

Dallas vs Corpus Christi: Veterinarian Salary (2026)

Compare veterinarian salaries between Dallas, TX and Corpus Christi, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Dallas, TX
$140,975
$67.78/hr
Corpus Christi, TX
$133,153
$64.02/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricDallas, TXCorpus Christi, TX
Median Salary$140,975$133,153
Hourly Rate$67.78$64.02
Entry Level (P10)$90,423$83,561
25th Percentile$126,683$110,500
75th Percentile$174,755$169,413
Top Earner (P90)$220,842$203,045
Total Employed1,76070
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Dallas ($140,975) and Corpus Christi ($133,153) veterinarian salaries.DallasCorpus ChristiMedian Salary$140,975$133,153Entry Level (P10)$90,423$83,561Top Earner (P90)$220,842$203,045US Median $137,334

Verdict

Dallas, TX offers better overall compensation for veterinarians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Corpus Christi.

The salary gap between Dallas and Corpus Christi is $7,822 (5.87%). 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,Corpus Christi spans $119,484. Dallas has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Dallas
P10 (Entry)$90,423
P25$126,683
Median$140,975
P75$174,755
P90 (Top)$220,842
Corpus Christi
P10 (Entry)$83,561
P25$110,500
Median$133,153
P75$169,413
P90 (Top)$203,045

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Corpus Christi ($143,684 effective) pays 5.07% more than Dallas ($136,749 effective).

Dallas
Nominal: $140,975
CoL Index: 103.09
Adjusted: $136,749
Corpus Christi
Nominal: $133,153
CoL Index: 92.671
Adjusted: $143,684

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 Corpus Christi if…

  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $143,684)
  • 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 9.3% growth in Corpus Christi over the same period.

Dallas, TX

+37.0%

$97,460 (2019) → $133,550 (2025)

Corpus Christi, TX

+9.3%

$115,430 (2019) → $126,140 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays veterinarians more: Dallas or Corpus Christi?

Dallas has a higher median veterinarian salary at $140,975/year, compared to Corpus Christi at $133,153/year — a difference of $7,822 (5.87%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Dallas and Corpus Christi?

Dallas veterinarians earn $67.78/hr while Corpus Christi hygienists earn $64.02/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Dallas to Corpus Christi as a veterinarian?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Dallas and Corpus Christi. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Dallas = $136,749, Corpus Christi = $143,684), job availability (1,760 vs 70 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level veterinarians earn in Dallas vs Corpus Christi?

Entry-level (10th percentile) veterinarians earn $90,423 in Dallas and $83,561 in Corpus Christi. The Dallas area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

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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.

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