Vet Tech salary

Altus vs Oklahoma City: Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary (2026)

Compare veterinary technologist and technician salaries between Altus, OK and Oklahoma City, OK. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Altus, OK
$42,130
$20.26/hr
Oklahoma City, OK
$42,474
$20.41/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAltus, OKOklahoma City, OK
Median Salary$42,130$42,474
Hourly Rate$20.26$20.41
Entry Level (P10)$32,723$37,421
25th Percentile$34,626$39,320
75th Percentile$48,534$49,691
Top Earner (P90)$54,442$54,744
Total Employed5370
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Altus ($42,130) and Oklahoma City ($42,474) veterinary technologist and technician salaries.AltusOklahoma CityMedian Salary$42,130$42,474Entry Level (P10)$32,723$37,421Top Earner (P90)$54,442$54,744US Median $49,986

Verdict

Oklahoma City, OK offers better overall compensation for veterinary technologists and technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Altus.

The salary gap between Altus and Oklahoma City is $344 (0.82%). Oklahoma City's median is -15.03% compared to the US national median of $49,986.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Altus spans $21,719,Oklahoma City spans $17,323. Altus has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Altus
P10 (Entry)$32,723
P25$34,626
Median$42,130
P75$48,534
P90 (Top)$54,442
Oklahoma City
P10 (Entry)$37,421
P25$39,320
Median$42,474
P75$49,691
P90 (Top)$54,744

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Altus ($47,390 effective) pays 0.87% more than Oklahoma City ($46,980 effective).

Altus
Nominal: $42,130
CoL Index: 88.9
Adjusted: $47,390
Oklahoma City
Nominal: $42,474
CoL Index: 90.408
Adjusted: $46,980

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Altus if…

  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $47,390)
  • You prefer the Oklahoma area and lifestyle

Choose Oklahoma City if…

  • Higher median salary ($42,474/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($54,744)
  • Larger job market (370 employed)
  • You prefer the Oklahoma area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinary technologist and technician salaries in Altus grew 48.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 43.5% growth in Oklahoma City over the same period.

Altus, OK

+48.1%

$26,971 (2024) → $39,934 (2025)

Oklahoma City, OK

+43.5%

$28,050 (2019) → $40,260 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays veterinary technologist and technicians more: Altus or Oklahoma City?

Oklahoma City has a higher median veterinary technologist and technician salary at $42,474/year, compared to Altus at $42,130/year — a difference of $344 (0.82%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Altus and Oklahoma City?

Altus veterinary technologist and technicians earn $20.26/hr while Oklahoma City hygienists earn $20.41/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Altus to Oklahoma City as a veterinary technologist and technician?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Altus and Oklahoma City. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Altus = $47,390, Oklahoma City = $46,980), job availability (5 vs 370 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level veterinary technologist and technicians earn in Altus vs Oklahoma City?

Entry-level (10th percentile) veterinary technologist and technicians earn $32,723 in Altus and $37,421 in Oklahoma City. The Oklahoma City 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