Vet Tech salary

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

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

Austin, TX
$47,581
$22.87/hr
Laredo, TX
$37,917
$18.23/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAustin, TXLaredo, TX
Median Salary$47,581$37,917
Hourly Rate$22.87$18.23
Entry Level (P10)$37,263$29,793
25th Percentile$38,708$29,825
75th Percentile$50,851$48,752
Top Earner (P90)$57,571$74,768
Total Employed1,87070
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Austin ($47,581) and Laredo ($37,917) veterinary technologist and technician salaries.AustinLaredoMedian Salary$47,581$37,917Entry Level (P10)$37,263$29,793Top Earner (P90)$57,571$74,768US Median $49,986

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Austin and Laredo is $9,664 (25.49%). 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,Laredo spans $44,975. Laredo 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
Laredo
P10 (Entry)$29,793
P25$29,825
Median$37,917
P75$48,752
P90 (Top)$74,768

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Austin ($48,519 effective) pays 11.27% more than Laredo ($43,605 effective).

Austin
Nominal: $47,581
CoL Index: 98.066
Adjusted: $48,519
Laredo
Nominal: $37,917
CoL Index: 86.956
Adjusted: $43,605

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)
  • Larger job market (1,870 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $48,519)
  • You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle

Choose Laredo if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($74,768)
  • 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 -0.4% growth in Laredo over the same period.

Austin, TX

+43.6%

$31,400 (2019) → $45,100 (2025)

Laredo, TX

+-0.4%

$36,090 (2021) → $35,940 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Austin has a higher median veterinary technologist and technician salary at $47,581/year, compared to Laredo at $37,917/year — a difference of $9,664 (25.49%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Austin and Laredo?

Austin veterinary technologist and technicians earn $22.87/hr while Laredo hygienists earn $18.23/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Austin and Laredo. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Austin = $48,519, Laredo = $43,605), job availability (1,870 vs 70 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) veterinary technologist and technicians earn $37,263 in Austin and $29,793 in Laredo. 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