Vet Tech salary

Copperas Cove vs Dallas: Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary (2026)

Compare veterinary technologist and technician salaries between Copperas Cove, TX and Dallas, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Copperas Cove, TX
$38,325
$18.42/hr
Dallas, TX
$46,800
$22.50/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricCopperas Cove, TXDallas, TX
Median Salary$38,325$46,800
Hourly Rate$18.42$22.50
Entry Level (P10)$31,293$36,334
25th Percentile$31,933$38,455
75th Percentile$46,549$49,395
Top Earner (P90)$50,318$61,296
Total Employed74,570
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Copperas Cove ($38,325) and Dallas ($46,800) veterinary technologist and technician salaries.Copperas CoveDallasMedian Salary$38,325$46,800Entry Level (P10)$31,293$36,334Top Earner (P90)$50,318$61,296US Median $49,986

Verdict

Dallas, TX offers better overall compensation for veterinary technologists and technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Copperas Cove.

The salary gap between Copperas Cove and Dallas is $8,475 (22.11%). Dallas's median is -6.37% compared to the US national median of $49,986.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Copperas Cove spans $19,025,Dallas spans $24,962. Dallas has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced veterinary technologist and technicians.

Copperas Cove
P10 (Entry)$31,293
P25$31,933
Median$38,325
P75$46,549
P90 (Top)$50,318
Dallas
P10 (Entry)$36,334
P25$38,455
Median$46,800
P75$49,395
P90 (Top)$61,296

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Dallas ($45,397 effective) pays 13.72% more than Copperas Cove ($39,922 effective).

Copperas Cove
Nominal: $38,325
CoL Index: 96
Adjusted: $39,922
Dallas
Nominal: $46,800
CoL Index: 103.09
Adjusted: $45,397

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Copperas Cove if…

  • You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle

Choose Dallas if…

  • Higher median salary ($46,800/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($61,296)
  • Larger job market (4,570 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $45,397)
  • You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinary technologist and technician salaries in Copperas Cove grew 3.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 29.2% growth in Dallas over the same period.

Copperas Cove, TX

+3.0%

$35,268 (2024) → $36,327 (2025)

Dallas, TX

+29.2%

$34,340 (2019) → $44,360 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays veterinary technologist and technicians more: Copperas Cove or Dallas?

Dallas has a higher median veterinary technologist and technician salary at $46,800/year, compared to Copperas Cove at $38,325/year — a difference of $8,475 (22.11%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Copperas Cove and Dallas?

Copperas Cove veterinary technologist and technicians earn $18.42/hr while Dallas hygienists earn $22.50/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Copperas Cove to Dallas as a veterinary technologist and technician?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Copperas Cove and Dallas. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Copperas Cove = $39,922, Dallas = $45,397), job availability (7 vs 4,570 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level veterinary technologist and technicians earn in Copperas Cove vs Dallas?

Entry-level (10th percentile) veterinary technologist and technicians earn $31,293 in Copperas Cove and $36,334 in Dallas. The Dallas area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

JL

Written by Jordan Lee, CVT

Career Analyst

Jordan has 10 years of experience in veterinary technology. They specialize in emergency care. Jordan has worked in both clinic and hospital settings.

Clinically reviewed by Sofia Patel, RVTData verified by Mark Chen, LVT

Methodology & Data Source

All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.50% 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 Jordan Lee, CVT, a licensed veterinary technologist and technician with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov