Vet Tech salary

Austin vs Corpus Christi: Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary (2026)

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

Austin, TX
$47,581
$22.87/hr
Corpus Christi, TX
$38,877
$18.69/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAustin, TXCorpus Christi, TX
Median Salary$47,581$38,877
Hourly Rate$22.87$18.69
Entry Level (P10)$37,263$24,244
25th Percentile$38,708$31,418
75th Percentile$50,851$47,085
Top Earner (P90)$57,571$49,342
Total Employed1,870200
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Austin ($47,581) and Corpus Christi ($38,877) veterinary technologist and technician salaries.AustinCorpus ChristiMedian Salary$47,581$38,877Entry Level (P10)$37,263$24,244Top Earner (P90)$57,571$49,342US Median $49,986

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Austin and Corpus Christi is $8,704 (22.39%). 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 Austin spans $20,308,Corpus Christi spans $25,098. Corpus Christi has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced veterinary technologist and technicians.

Austin
P10 (Entry)$37,263
P25$38,708
Median$47,581
P75$50,851
P90 (Top)$57,571
Corpus Christi
P10 (Entry)$24,244
P25$31,418
Median$38,877
P75$47,085
P90 (Top)$49,342

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Austin ($48,519 effective) pays 15.66% more than Corpus Christi ($41,952 effective).

Austin
Nominal: $47,581
CoL Index: 98.066
Adjusted: $48,519
Corpus Christi
Nominal: $38,877
CoL Index: 92.671
Adjusted: $41,952

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Austin if…

  • Higher median salary ($47,581/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($57,571)
  • Larger job market (1,870 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $48,519)
  • You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle

Choose Corpus Christi if…

  • You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinary technologist and technician salaries in Austin grew 43.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 33.7% growth in Corpus Christi over the same period.

Austin, TX

+43.6%

$31,400 (2019) → $45,100 (2025)

Corpus Christi, TX

+33.7%

$27,560 (2019) → $36,850 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Austin has a higher median veterinary technologist and technician salary at $47,581/year, compared to Corpus Christi at $38,877/year — a difference of $8,704 (22.39%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Austin and Corpus Christi?

Austin veterinary technologist and technicians earn $22.87/hr while Corpus Christi hygienists earn $18.69/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Austin and Corpus Christi. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Austin = $48,519, Corpus Christi = $41,952), job availability (1,870 vs 200 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) veterinary technologist and technicians earn $37,263 in Austin and $24,244 in Corpus Christi. 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