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Veterinarian Licensing in Texas

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for veterinarian in Texas, including See agency and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 12, 2026

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

Both state and third-party exams required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Veterinarian in Texas

Estimated timeline: 6-24 months

Core Requirements

  • License Type: Stand-alone license
  • Education: Degree required
  • Examination: Both state and third-party exams required
  • Application Fee: See agency
  • Experience: No experience required
  • Background Check: Specific type of conviction prohibited
  • Continuing Education: Continuing education required to maintain license

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Texas Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $121,220 median (3% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #28 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (4)

  1. 1. Meet baseline eligibility requirements.
  2. 2. Complete approved education/training requirements.
  3. 3. Pass required exam(s) and submit application.
  4. 4. Maintain and renew license according to board rules.

Salary Insights in Texas

With a median salary of 121,220, Veterinarians in Texas earn 3% below the national median of $125,510. Texas ranks #28 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 6-24 months.

Median annual salary

$121,220

Hourly estimate

$58.28
3% below national median

Difference: -$4,290

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$73,180
  • P2525th percentile$98,620
  • P50Median$121,220
  • P7575th percentile$159,700
  • P9090th percentile$209,720

State vs National Median

State: $121,220
National: $125,510

Total employment: 5,940 | Annual openings: N/A

Veterinarian Salary Ranking

#28 of 50 statesfor Veterinarian median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1California158,950
#2Washington155,060
#3New Jersey148,550
#4West Virginia134,290
#5Vermont134,240

Nearby States Comparison

Veterinarian licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
Texas$121,220Degree requiredBoth state and third-party exams required6-24 months
Oklahoma$96,360Degree requiredThird-party exam required6-24 months
Arkansas$100,820Degree requiredBoth state and third-party exams required6-24 months
Louisiana$120,630Degree requiredThird-party exam required6-24 months
New Mexico$126,710Degree requiredState exam required6-24 months

License by Endorsement

Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
Texas50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Oklahoma50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Arkansas50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Louisiana50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
New Mexico50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
  • License status indicator: Active.
  • Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Texas Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners

1801 Congress Ave, Ste. 8.800, Austin, TX, 78701

Phone: 5123057555

Related Careers in Texas

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
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Clinical Lab Technologist$54,840Degree required6-24 months
Dental Assistant$42,270Specific course required6-24 months

FAQ

How long does it take to become a Veterinarian in Texas?

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 6-24 months, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.

What exams are required for Veterinarians in Texas?

Texas lists Both state and third-party exams required as part of the licensure process for Veterinarians.

What education do you need to become a Veterinarian in Texas?

The board typically expects Degree required for Veterinarian licensure in Texas.

What is the typical Veterinarian salary in Texas?

The median annual salary for Veterinarians in Texas is 121,220. Salaries range from $73,180 (10th percentile) to $209,720 (90th percentile).

How does the Veterinarian salary in Texas compare to the national average?

Veterinarians in Texas earn 3% below the national median of $125,510, with a state median of 121,220.

How many Veterinarians work in Texas?

Texas employs approximately 5,940 Veterinarians according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Veterinarian license to Texas from another state?

Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Who is the licensing agency for Veterinarians in Texas?

The licensing agency is Texas Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners. Review agency details at https://www.veterinary.texas.gov/index.php.