Vet Tech salary

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

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

Austin, TX
$47,581
$22.87/hr
Pharr, TX
$39,373
$18.93/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAustin, TXPharr, TX
Median Salary$47,581$39,373
Hourly Rate$22.87$18.93
Entry Level (P10)$37,263$28,448
25th Percentile$38,708$33,481
75th Percentile$50,851$48,926
Top Earner (P90)$57,571$53,709
Total Employed1,87018
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Austin ($47,581) and Pharr ($39,373) veterinary technologist and technician salaries.AustinPharrMedian Salary$47,581$39,373Entry Level (P10)$37,263$28,448Top Earner (P90)$57,571$53,709US Median $49,986

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Austin and Pharr is $8,208 (20.85%). 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,Pharr spans $25,261. Pharr 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
Pharr
P10 (Entry)$28,448
P25$33,481
Median$39,373
P75$48,926
P90 (Top)$53,709

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Austin ($48,519 effective) pays 18.30% more than Pharr ($41,014 effective).

Austin
Nominal: $47,581
CoL Index: 98.066
Adjusted: $48,519
Pharr
Nominal: $39,373
CoL Index: 96
Adjusted: $41,014

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 Pharr 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 Pharr over the same period.

Austin, TX

+43.6%

$31,400 (2019) → $45,100 (2025)

Pharr, TX

+3.0%

$36,232 (2024) → $37,320 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Austin has a higher median veterinary technologist and technician salary at $47,581/year, compared to Pharr at $39,373/year — a difference of $8,208 (20.85%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Austin and Pharr?

Austin veterinary technologist and technicians earn $22.87/hr while Pharr hygienists earn $18.93/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Austin and Pharr. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Austin = $48,519, Pharr = $41,014), job availability (1,870 vs 18 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) veterinary technologist and technicians earn $37,263 in Austin and $28,448 in Pharr. 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