Houston vs McAllen: Veterinarian Salary (2026)
Compare veterinarian salaries between Houston, TX and McAllen, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Houston, TX | McAllen, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $139,635▲ | $128,350 |
| Hourly Rate | $67.13▲ | $61.71 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $85,915▲ | $77,650 |
| 25th Percentile | $125,954▲ | $105,296 |
| 75th Percentile | $180,402▲ | $142,337 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $219,206▲ | $180,508 |
| Total Employed | 1,340▲ | 50 |
Verdict
Houston, TX offers better overall compensation for veterinarians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to McAllen.
The salary gap between Houston and McAllen is $11,285 (8.79%). 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,McAllen spans $102,858. Houston has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, McAllen ($149,427 effective) pays 5.55% more than Houston ($141,576 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)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($219,206)
- ✓Larger job market (1,340 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose McAllen if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $149,427)
- ✓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 36.3% growth in McAllen over the same period.
Houston, TX
$137,470 (2019) → $132,280 (2025)
McAllen, TX
$89,190 (2019) → $121,590 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Houston, TX
McAllen, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays veterinarians more: Houston or McAllen?
What is the hourly rate difference between Houston and McAllen?
Should I relocate from Houston to McAllen as a veterinarian?
What do entry-level veterinarians earn in Houston vs McAllen?
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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