Vet Tech salary

Dallas vs Del Rio: Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary (2026)

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

Dallas, TX
$46,800
$22.50/hr
Del Rio, TX
$39,027
$18.76/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricDallas, TXDel Rio, TX
Median Salary$46,800$39,027
Hourly Rate$22.50$18.76
Entry Level (P10)$36,334$29,781
25th Percentile$38,455$31,874
75th Percentile$49,395$45,965
Top Earner (P90)$61,296$48,738
Total Employed4,5709
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Dallas ($46,800) and Del Rio ($39,027) veterinary technologist and technician salaries.DallasDel RioMedian Salary$46,800$39,027Entry Level (P10)$36,334$29,781Top Earner (P90)$61,296$48,738US Median $49,986

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Dallas and Del Rio is $7,773 (19.92%). 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 Dallas spans $24,962,Del Rio spans $18,957. Dallas has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Dallas
P10 (Entry)$36,334
P25$38,455
Median$46,800
P75$49,395
P90 (Top)$61,296
Del Rio
P10 (Entry)$29,781
P25$31,874
Median$39,027
P75$45,965
P90 (Top)$48,738

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Dallas ($45,397 effective) pays 11.67% more than Del Rio ($40,653 effective).

Dallas
Nominal: $46,800
CoL Index: 103.09
Adjusted: $45,397
Del Rio
Nominal: $39,027
CoL Index: 96
Adjusted: $40,653

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 ($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

Choose Del Rio if…

  • You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinary technologist and technician salaries in Dallas grew 29.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 3.0% growth in Del Rio over the same period.

Dallas, TX

+29.2%

$34,340 (2019) → $44,360 (2025)

Del Rio, TX

+3.0%

$35,914 (2024) → $36,992 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays veterinary technologist and technicians more: Dallas or Del Rio?

Dallas has a higher median veterinary technologist and technician salary at $46,800/year, compared to Del Rio at $39,027/year — a difference of $7,773 (19.92%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Dallas and Del Rio?

Dallas veterinary technologist and technicians earn $22.50/hr while Del Rio hygienists earn $18.76/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Dallas to Del Rio as a veterinary technologist and technician?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Dallas and Del Rio. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Dallas = $45,397, Del Rio = $40,653), job availability (4,570 vs 9 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level veterinary technologist and technicians earn in Dallas vs Del Rio?

Entry-level (10th percentile) veterinary technologist and technicians earn $36,334 in Dallas and $29,781 in Del Rio. 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