Veterinarian Salary in Temple, TX: $129,182 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinarian in Temple, TX earns a median $129,182/year (≈ $62.11/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1131). Once you factor in Temple's price level (4% below national, BEA RPP 96.0), that paycheck buys what $134,565 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.1% below the Texas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Veterinarians in Temple, TX, can anticipate a 2026 median annual salary of $129,182, which reflects a slight decrease when compared to the national median of $137,334. The local salary spectrum ranges from $77,342 at the 10th percentile to $200,233 for those at the 90th percentile, showcasing a diverse earning potential influenced by various factors. These salary estimates are derived from 2025 BLS data and regional cost adjustments, indicating a tailored view of the local job market. With specialized certifications in areas like surgery or emergency care commanding higher compensation, the demand for veterinarians with board certifications enhances earning prospects significantly in Temple.
About the Temple Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($118,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $77,342 | $37.19 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $102,735 | $49.39 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $129,182 | $62.11 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $165,353 | $79.50 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $200,233 | $96.27 |
Median Salary Position
5.94% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Temple
In Temple, TX, the veterinarian salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $122,891 (2026 est.). At $129,182, the local median is 5.94% below the national median of $137,334.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Temple: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Temple Veterinarian Pay Compares
Temple median: $129,182/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Temple Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Texas Average | $130,619 | -1.10% less |
| National Average | $137,334 | -5.94% less |
Veterinarians in Temple, TX earn a median of $129,182 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.94% lower than the national median of $137,334 and 1.10% below the Texas state average of $130,619.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Temple has a cost of living 4.00% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Temple, TX has a cost-of-living index of 96 (below the national average of 100). A veterinarian earning $129,182 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $134,565 in an average-cost city — an effective 4.17% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$89,794
2025 BLS Actual
$122,378
2026 Current Est.
$129,182
2019–2027 Growth
+51.9%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinarians in Temple (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.56% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $89,794 | Actual |
| 2020 | $93,359 | Actual |
| 2021 | $94,413 | Actual |
| 2022 | $97,131 | Actual |
| 2023 | $112,031 | Actual |
| 2024 | $111,228 | Actual |
| 2025 | $122,378 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $129,182 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $136,365 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Temple metropolitan area, the median veterinarian salary grew 36.3% from $89,794 (2019) to $122,378 (2025). At a 5.56% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $136,365 by 2027 — a total increase of $46,571 (51.86%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Temple metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 5.56% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $77,342 – $102,735 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $102,735 – $129,182 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $129,182 – $165,353 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $165,353 – $200,233 |
DVM salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual veterinarian compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Veterinarian Job Market in Temple
The veterinarian job market in Temple currently employs 14 professionals, reflecting a modest yet stable demand in this community. The cost-of-living index is slightly below the national average at 96, which points to a beneficial situation for veterinarians seeking to maximize their purchasing power. Among local employers, corporate chains such as VCA and BluePearl typically offer better pay compared to independent practices, catering to approximately 25% of the market, while specialty and referral hospitals also rank high for remuneration. The notable pay disparity stems from a variety of factors, including the impact of specialty board certifications, production-based compensation models, ownership stakes, and potential sign-on bonuses ranging from $50,000 to $150,000 for new graduates amidst a shortage. To enhance their earnings in Temple, veterinarians should consider pursuing certifications, exploring opportunities with corporate practices, and displaying flexibility towards diverse practice settings.
More salary data for Temple, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $122,378 for veterinariansin the Temple metropolitan area. A 5.56% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Temple is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.56%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for veterinarians (SOC 29-1131).
Compiled and verified by Dr. Alice Nguyen, DVM, a licensed veterinarian with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov