Vet Tech salary

Dallas vs Port Arthur: Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary (2026)

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

Dallas, TX
$46,800
$22.50/hr
Port Arthur, TX
$40,567
$19.51/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricDallas, TXPort Arthur, TX
Median Salary$46,800$40,567
Hourly Rate$22.50$19.51
Entry Level (P10)$36,334$30,588
25th Percentile$38,455$33,020
75th Percentile$49,395$48,872
Top Earner (P90)$61,296$52,982
Total Employed4,57012
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Dallas ($46,800) and Port Arthur ($40,567) veterinary technologist and technician salaries.DallasPort ArthurMedian Salary$46,800$40,567Entry Level (P10)$36,334$30,588Top Earner (P90)$61,296$52,982US Median $49,986

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Dallas and Port Arthur is $6,233 (15.36%). 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,Port Arthur spans $22,394. 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
Port Arthur
P10 (Entry)$30,588
P25$33,020
Median$40,567
P75$48,872
P90 (Top)$52,982

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Dallas ($45,397 effective) pays 7.43% more than Port Arthur ($42,257 effective).

Dallas
Nominal: $46,800
CoL Index: 103.09
Adjusted: $45,397
Port Arthur
Nominal: $40,567
CoL Index: 96
Adjusted: $42,257

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 Port Arthur 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 4.1% growth in Port Arthur over the same period.

Dallas, TX

+29.2%

$34,340 (2019) → $44,360 (2025)

Port Arthur, TX

+4.1%

$36,943 (2024) → $38,452 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Dallas has a higher median veterinary technologist and technician salary at $46,800/year, compared to Port Arthur at $40,567/year — a difference of $6,233 (15.36%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Dallas and Port Arthur?

Dallas veterinary technologist and technicians earn $22.50/hr while Port Arthur hygienists earn $19.51/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Dallas and Port Arthur. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Dallas = $45,397, Port Arthur = $42,257), job availability (4,570 vs 12 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) veterinary technologist and technicians earn $36,334 in Dallas and $30,588 in Port Arthur. 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