Houston vs College Station: Veterinarian Salary (2026)
Compare veterinarian salaries between Houston, TX and College Station, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Houston, TX | College Station, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $139,635▲ | $122,629 |
| Hourly Rate | $67.13▲ | $58.96 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $85,915▲ | $42,118 |
| 25th Percentile | $125,954▲ | $42,984 |
| 75th Percentile | $180,402 | $207,383▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $219,206 | $299,421▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,340▲ | 230 |
Verdict
Houston, TX offers better overall compensation for veterinarians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to College Station.
The salary gap between Houston and College Station is $17,006 (13.87%). 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 Houston spans $133,291,College Station spans $257,303. College Station 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, Houston ($141,576 effective) pays 5.00% more than College Station ($134,830 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Houston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($139,635/year)
- ✓Larger job market (1,340 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $141,576)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose College Station if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($299,421)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinarian salaries in Houston grew -3.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 85.7% growth in College Station over the same period.
Houston, TX
$137,470 (2019) → $132,280 (2025)
College Station, TX
$62,570 (2019) → $116,170 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Houston, TX
College Station, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays veterinarians more: Houston or College Station?
What is the hourly rate difference between Houston and College Station?
Should I relocate from Houston to College Station as a veterinarian?
What do entry-level veterinarians earn in Houston vs College Station?
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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