Vet Tech salary

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

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

Austin, TX
$47,581
$22.87/hr
Socorro, TX
$37,795
$18.17/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAustin, TXSocorro, TX
Median Salary$47,581$37,795
Hourly Rate$22.87$18.17
Entry Level (P10)$37,263$29,963
25th Percentile$38,708$31,697
75th Percentile$50,851$46,134
Top Earner (P90)$57,571$49,858
Total Employed1,8705
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Austin ($47,581) and Socorro ($37,795) veterinary technologist and technician salaries.AustinSocorroMedian Salary$47,581$37,795Entry Level (P10)$37,263$29,963Top Earner (P90)$57,571$49,858US Median $49,986

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Austin and Socorro is $9,786 (25.89%). 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,Socorro spans $19,895. 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
Socorro
P10 (Entry)$29,963
P25$31,697
Median$37,795
P75$46,134
P90 (Top)$49,858

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Austin ($48,519 effective) pays 23.24% more than Socorro ($39,370 effective).

Austin
Nominal: $47,581
CoL Index: 98.066
Adjusted: $48,519
Socorro
Nominal: $37,795
CoL Index: 96
Adjusted: $39,370

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 Socorro 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 Socorro over the same period.

Austin, TX

+43.6%

$31,400 (2019) → $45,100 (2025)

Socorro, TX

+3.0%

$34,781 (2024) → $35,825 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Austin has a higher median veterinary technologist and technician salary at $47,581/year, compared to Socorro at $37,795/year — a difference of $9,786 (25.89%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Austin and Socorro?

Austin veterinary technologist and technicians earn $22.87/hr while Socorro hygienists earn $18.17/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Austin and Socorro. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Austin = $48,519, Socorro = $39,370), job availability (1,870 vs 5 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) veterinary technologist and technicians earn $37,263 in Austin and $29,963 in Socorro. 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