Veterinarian Salary

Dallas vs Denton: Veterinarian Salary (2026)

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

Dallas, TX
$140,975
$67.78/hr
Denton, TX
$129,847
$62.43/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricDallas, TXDenton, TX
Median Salary$140,975$129,847
Hourly Rate$67.78$62.43
Entry Level (P10)$90,423$75,312
25th Percentile$126,683$101,123
75th Percentile$174,755$166,204
Top Earner (P90)$220,842$201,263
Total Employed1,76033
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Dallas ($140,975) and Denton ($129,847) veterinarian salaries.DallasDentonMedian Salary$140,975$129,847Entry Level (P10)$90,423$75,312Top Earner (P90)$220,842$201,263US Median $137,334

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Dallas and Denton is $11,128 (8.57%). 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,Denton spans $125,951. 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
Denton
P10 (Entry)$75,312
P25$101,123
Median$129,847
P75$166,204
P90 (Top)$201,263

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Dallas ($136,749 effective) pays 1.10% more than Denton ($135,257 effective).

Dallas
Nominal: $140,975
CoL Index: 103.09
Adjusted: $136,749
Denton
Nominal: $129,847
CoL Index: 96
Adjusted: $135,257

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)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $136,749)
  • You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle

Choose Denton if…

  • 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 9.2% growth in Denton over the same period.

Dallas, TX

+37.0%

$97,460 (2019) → $133,550 (2025)

Denton, TX

+9.2%

$112,642 (2024) → $123,008 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays veterinarians more: Dallas or Denton?

Dallas has a higher median veterinarian salary at $140,975/year, compared to Denton at $129,847/year — a difference of $11,128 (8.57%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Dallas and Denton?

Dallas veterinarians earn $67.78/hr while Denton hygienists earn $62.43/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Dallas to Denton as a veterinarian?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Dallas and Denton. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Dallas = $136,749, Denton = $135,257), job availability (1,760 vs 33 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level veterinarians earn in Dallas vs Denton?

Entry-level (10th percentile) veterinarians earn $90,423 in Dallas and $75,312 in Denton. 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