Vet Tech salary

Albuquerque vs Clovis: Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary (2026)

Compare veterinary technologist and technician salaries between Albuquerque, NM and Clovis, NM. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Albuquerque, NM
$49,216
$23.66/hr
Clovis, NM
$44,810
$21.54/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAlbuquerque, NMClovis, NM
Median Salary$49,216$44,810
Hourly Rate$23.66$21.54
Entry Level (P10)$36,820$35,281
25th Percentile$39,932$37,366
75th Percentile$51,568$53,557
Top Earner (P90)$60,842$57,185
Total Employed4607
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Albuquerque ($49,216) and Clovis ($44,810) veterinary technologist and technician salaries.AlbuquerqueClovisMedian Salary$49,216$44,810Entry Level (P10)$36,820$35,281Top Earner (P90)$60,842$57,185US Median $49,986

Verdict

Albuquerque, NM offers better overall compensation for veterinary technologists and technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Clovis.

The salary gap between Albuquerque and Clovis is $4,406 (9.83%). Albuquerque's median is -1.54% compared to the US national median of $49,986.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Albuquerque spans $24,022,Clovis spans $21,904. Albuquerque has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Albuquerque
P10 (Entry)$36,820
P25$39,932
Median$49,216
P75$51,568
P90 (Top)$60,842
Clovis
P10 (Entry)$35,281
P25$37,366
Median$44,810
P75$53,557
P90 (Top)$57,185

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Albuquerque ($51,510 effective) pays 8.52% more than Clovis ($47,468 effective).

Albuquerque
Nominal: $49,216
CoL Index: 95.546
Adjusted: $51,510
Clovis
Nominal: $44,810
CoL Index: 94.4
Adjusted: $47,468

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Albuquerque if…

  • Higher median salary ($49,216/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($60,842)
  • Larger job market (460 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $51,510)
  • You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle

Choose Clovis if…

  • You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinary technologist and technician salaries in Albuquerque grew 31.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 39.4% growth in Clovis over the same period.

Albuquerque, NM

+31.8%

$35,400 (2019) → $46,650 (2025)

Clovis, NM

+39.4%

$30,479 (2024) → $42,474 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays veterinary technologist and technicians more: Albuquerque or Clovis?

Albuquerque has a higher median veterinary technologist and technician salary at $49,216/year, compared to Clovis at $44,810/year — a difference of $4,406 (9.83%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Albuquerque and Clovis?

Albuquerque veterinary technologist and technicians earn $23.66/hr while Clovis hygienists earn $21.54/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Albuquerque to Clovis as a veterinary technologist and technician?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Albuquerque and Clovis. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Albuquerque = $51,510, Clovis = $47,468), job availability (460 vs 7 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level veterinary technologist and technicians earn in Albuquerque vs Clovis?

Entry-level (10th percentile) veterinary technologist and technicians earn $36,820 in Albuquerque and $35,281 in Clovis. The Albuquerque area offers higher starting salaries.
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