Vet Tech salary

Amarillo vs Austin: Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary (2026)

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

Amarillo, TX
$41,035
$19.73/hr
Austin, TX
$47,581
$22.87/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAmarillo, TXAustin, TX
Median Salary$41,035$47,581
Hourly Rate$19.73$22.87
Entry Level (P10)$28,187$37,263
25th Percentile$31,735$38,708
75th Percentile$52,275$50,851
Top Earner (P90)$59,038$57,571
Total Employed521,870
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Amarillo ($41,035) and Austin ($47,581) veterinary technologist and technician salaries.AmarilloAustinMedian Salary$41,035$47,581Entry Level (P10)$28,187$37,263Top Earner (P90)$59,038$57,571US Median $49,986

Verdict

Austin, TX offers better overall compensation for veterinary technologists and technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Amarillo.

The salary gap between Amarillo and Austin is $6,546 (15.95%). Austin's median is -4.81% compared to the US national median of $49,986.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Amarillo spans $30,851,Austin spans $20,308. Amarillo has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Amarillo
P10 (Entry)$28,187
P25$31,735
Median$41,035
P75$52,275
P90 (Top)$59,038
Austin
P10 (Entry)$37,263
P25$38,708
Median$47,581
P75$50,851
P90 (Top)$57,571

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Austin ($48,519 effective) pays 13.51% more than Amarillo ($42,745 effective).

Amarillo
Nominal: $41,035
CoL Index: 96
Adjusted: $42,745
Austin
Nominal: $47,581
CoL Index: 98.066
Adjusted: $48,519

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Amarillo if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($59,038)
  • You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle

Choose Austin if…

  • Higher median salary ($47,581/year)
  • Larger job market (1,870 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $48,519)
  • You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinary technologist and technician salaries in Amarillo grew 36.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 43.6% growth in Austin over the same period.

Amarillo, TX

+36.3%

$28,530 (2019) → $38,896 (2025)

Austin, TX

+43.6%

$31,400 (2019) → $45,100 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays veterinary technologist and technicians more: Amarillo or Austin?

Austin has a higher median veterinary technologist and technician salary at $47,581/year, compared to Amarillo at $41,035/year — a difference of $6,546 (15.95%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Amarillo and Austin?

Amarillo veterinary technologist and technicians earn $19.73/hr while Austin hygienists earn $22.87/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Amarillo to Austin as a veterinary technologist and technician?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Amarillo and Austin. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Amarillo = $42,745, Austin = $48,519), job availability (52 vs 1,870 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level veterinary technologist and technicians earn in Amarillo vs Austin?

Entry-level (10th percentile) veterinary technologist and technicians earn $28,187 in Amarillo and $37,263 in Austin. The Austin 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