Vet Tech salary

Dallas vs Killeen: Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary (2026)

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

Dallas, TX
$46,800
$22.50/hr
Killeen, TX
$39,932
$19.20/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricDallas, TXKilleen, TX
Median Salary$46,800$39,932
Hourly Rate$22.50$19.20
Entry Level (P10)$36,334$31,513
25th Percentile$38,455$37,031
75th Percentile$49,395$47,275
Top Earner (P90)$61,296$50,070
Total Employed4,570210
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Dallas ($46,800) and Killeen ($39,932) veterinary technologist and technician salaries.DallasKilleenMedian Salary$46,800$39,932Entry Level (P10)$36,334$31,513Top Earner (P90)$61,296$50,070US Median $49,986

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Dallas and Killeen is $6,868 (17.20%). 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,Killeen spans $18,557. 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
Killeen
P10 (Entry)$31,513
P25$37,031
Median$39,932
P75$47,275
P90 (Top)$50,070

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Dallas ($45,397 effective) pays 3.60% more than Killeen ($43,818 effective).

Dallas
Nominal: $46,800
CoL Index: 103.09
Adjusted: $45,397
Killeen
Nominal: $39,932
CoL Index: 91.132
Adjusted: $43,818

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 Killeen 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 45.6% growth in Killeen over the same period.

Dallas, TX

+29.2%

$34,340 (2019) → $44,360 (2025)

Killeen, TX

+45.6%

$25,990 (2019) → $37,850 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Dallas has a higher median veterinary technologist and technician salary at $46,800/year, compared to Killeen at $39,932/year — a difference of $6,868 (17.20%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Dallas and Killeen?

Dallas veterinary technologist and technicians earn $22.50/hr while Killeen hygienists earn $19.20/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Dallas and Killeen. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Dallas = $45,397, Killeen = $43,818), job availability (4,570 vs 210 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) veterinary technologist and technicians earn $36,334 in Dallas and $31,513 in Killeen. 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