Vet Tech salary

Austin vs Little Elm: Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary (2026)

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

Austin, TX
$47,581
$22.87/hr
Little Elm, TX
$38,466
$18.49/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAustin, TXLittle Elm, TX
Median Salary$47,581$38,466
Hourly Rate$22.87$18.49
Entry Level (P10)$37,263$28,470
25th Percentile$38,708$33,077
75th Percentile$50,851$45,444
Top Earner (P90)$57,571$48,409
Total Employed1,87012
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Austin ($47,581) and Little Elm ($38,466) veterinary technologist and technician salaries.AustinLittle ElmMedian Salary$47,581$38,466Entry Level (P10)$37,263$28,470Top Earner (P90)$57,571$48,409US Median $49,986

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Austin and Little Elm is $9,115 (23.70%). 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,Little Elm spans $19,939. Austin has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Austin
P10 (Entry)$37,263
P25$38,708
Median$47,581
P75$50,851
P90 (Top)$57,571
Little Elm
P10 (Entry)$28,470
P25$33,077
Median$38,466
P75$45,444
P90 (Top)$48,409

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Austin ($48,519 effective) pays 21.09% more than Little Elm ($40,069 effective).

Austin
Nominal: $47,581
CoL Index: 98.066
Adjusted: $48,519
Little Elm
Nominal: $38,466
CoL Index: 96
Adjusted: $40,069

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 Little Elm 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 3.0% growth in Little Elm over the same period.

Austin, TX

+43.6%

$31,400 (2019) → $45,100 (2025)

Little Elm, TX

+3.0%

$35,398 (2024) → $36,461 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Austin has a higher median veterinary technologist and technician salary at $47,581/year, compared to Little Elm at $38,466/year — a difference of $9,115 (23.70%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Austin and Little Elm?

Austin veterinary technologist and technicians earn $22.87/hr while Little Elm hygienists earn $18.49/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Austin and Little Elm. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Austin = $48,519, Little Elm = $40,069), job availability (1,870 vs 12 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) veterinary technologist and technicians earn $37,263 in Austin and $28,470 in Little Elm. 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