Vet Tech salary

DeSoto vs Houston: Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary (2026)

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

DeSoto, TX
$39,737
$19.11/hr
Houston, TX
$46,536
$22.38/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricDeSoto, TXHouston, TX
Median Salary$39,737$46,536
Hourly Rate$19.11$22.38
Entry Level (P10)$29,260$32,958
25th Percentile$31,849$38,687
75th Percentile$47,405$49,764
Top Earner (P90)$54,942$59,470
Total Employed93,570
Side-by-side bar chart comparing DeSoto ($39,737) and Houston ($46,536) veterinary technologist and technician salaries.DeSotoHoustonMedian Salary$39,737$46,536Entry Level (P10)$29,260$32,958Top Earner (P90)$54,942$59,470US Median $49,986

Verdict

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

The salary gap between DeSoto and Houston is $6,799 (17.11%). Houston's median is -6.90% compared to the US national median of $49,986.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in DeSoto spans $25,682,Houston spans $26,512. Houston has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced veterinary technologist and technicians.

DeSoto
P10 (Entry)$29,260
P25$31,849
Median$39,737
P75$47,405
P90 (Top)$54,942
Houston
P10 (Entry)$32,958
P25$38,687
Median$46,536
P75$49,764
P90 (Top)$59,470

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Houston ($47,183 effective) pays 13.99% more than DeSoto ($41,393 effective).

DeSoto
Nominal: $39,737
CoL Index: 96
Adjusted: $41,393
Houston
Nominal: $46,536
CoL Index: 98.629
Adjusted: $47,183

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose DeSoto if…

  • You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle

Choose Houston if…

  • Higher median salary ($46,536/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($59,470)
  • Larger job market (3,570 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $47,183)
  • You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinary technologist and technician salaries in DeSoto grew 3.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 57.6% growth in Houston over the same period.

DeSoto, TX

+3.0%

$36,567 (2024) → $37,665 (2025)

Houston, TX

+57.6%

$27,990 (2019) → $44,110 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays veterinary technologist and technicians more: DeSoto or Houston?

Houston has a higher median veterinary technologist and technician salary at $46,536/year, compared to DeSoto at $39,737/year — a difference of $6,799 (17.11%).

What is the hourly rate difference between DeSoto and Houston?

DeSoto veterinary technologist and technicians earn $19.11/hr while Houston hygienists earn $22.38/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from DeSoto to Houston as a veterinary technologist and technician?

Consider more than just salary when comparing DeSoto and Houston. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: DeSoto = $41,393, Houston = $47,183), job availability (9 vs 3,570 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level veterinary technologist and technicians earn in DeSoto vs Houston?

Entry-level (10th percentile) veterinary technologist and technicians earn $29,260 in DeSoto and $32,958 in Houston. The Houston 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