Vet Tech salary

Dallas vs University Park: Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary (2026)

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

Dallas, TX
$46,800
$22.50/hr
University Park, TX
$37,557
$18.05/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricDallas, TXUniversity Park, TX
Median Salary$46,800$37,557
Hourly Rate$22.50$18.05
Entry Level (P10)$36,334$29,164
25th Percentile$38,455$30,832
75th Percentile$49,395$45,395
Top Earner (P90)$61,296$48,576
Total Employed4,5705
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Dallas ($46,800) and University Park ($37,557) veterinary technologist and technician salaries.DallasUniversity ParkMedian Salary$46,800$37,557Entry Level (P10)$36,334$29,164Top Earner (P90)$61,296$48,576US Median $49,986

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Dallas and University Park is $9,243 (24.61%). 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,University Park spans $19,412. 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
University Park
P10 (Entry)$29,164
P25$30,832
Median$37,557
P75$45,395
P90 (Top)$48,576

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Dallas ($45,397 effective) pays 16.04% more than University Park ($39,122 effective).

Dallas
Nominal: $46,800
CoL Index: 103.09
Adjusted: $45,397
University Park
Nominal: $37,557
CoL Index: 96
Adjusted: $39,122

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 University Park 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 University Park over the same period.

Dallas, TX

+29.2%

$34,340 (2019) → $44,360 (2025)

University Park, TX

+3.0%

$34,561 (2024) → $35,599 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Dallas has a higher median veterinary technologist and technician salary at $46,800/year, compared to University Park at $37,557/year — a difference of $9,243 (24.61%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Dallas and University Park?

Dallas veterinary technologist and technicians earn $22.50/hr while University Park hygienists earn $18.05/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Dallas and University Park. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Dallas = $45,397, University Park = $39,122), job availability (4,570 vs 5 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) veterinary technologist and technicians earn $36,334 in Dallas and $29,164 in University Park. 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