Vet Tech salary

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

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

Dallas, TX
$46,800
$22.50/hr
Mesquite, TX
$39,402
$18.95/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricDallas, TXMesquite, TX
Median Salary$46,800$39,402
Hourly Rate$22.50$18.95
Entry Level (P10)$36,334$29,820
25th Percentile$38,455$32,281
75th Percentile$49,395$48,475
Top Earner (P90)$61,296$53,390
Total Employed4,57021
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Dallas ($46,800) and Mesquite ($39,402) veterinary technologist and technician salaries.DallasMesquiteMedian Salary$46,800$39,402Entry Level (P10)$36,334$29,820Top Earner (P90)$61,296$53,390US Median $49,986

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Dallas and Mesquite is $7,398 (18.78%). 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,Mesquite spans $23,570. 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
Mesquite
P10 (Entry)$29,820
P25$32,281
Median$39,402
P75$48,475
P90 (Top)$53,390

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Dallas ($45,397 effective) pays 10.61% more than Mesquite ($41,044 effective).

Dallas
Nominal: $46,800
CoL Index: 103.09
Adjusted: $45,397
Mesquite
Nominal: $39,402
CoL Index: 96
Adjusted: $41,044

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 Mesquite 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 Mesquite over the same period.

Dallas, TX

+29.2%

$34,340 (2019) → $44,360 (2025)

Mesquite, TX

+3.0%

$36,260 (2024) → $37,348 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Dallas has a higher median veterinary technologist and technician salary at $46,800/year, compared to Mesquite at $39,402/year — a difference of $7,398 (18.78%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Dallas and Mesquite?

Dallas veterinary technologist and technicians earn $22.50/hr while Mesquite hygienists earn $18.95/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Dallas and Mesquite. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Dallas = $45,397, Mesquite = $41,044), job availability (4,570 vs 21 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) veterinary technologist and technicians earn $36,334 in Dallas and $29,820 in Mesquite. 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