Vet Tech salary

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

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

Austin, TX
$47,581
$22.87/hr
Stephenville, TX
$37,056
$17.82/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAustin, TXStephenville, TX
Median Salary$47,581$37,056
Hourly Rate$22.87$17.82
Entry Level (P10)$37,263$31,081
25th Percentile$38,708$32,097
75th Percentile$50,851$42,840
Top Earner (P90)$57,571$44,779
Total Employed1,8706
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Austin ($47,581) and Stephenville ($37,056) veterinary technologist and technician salaries.AustinStephenvilleMedian Salary$47,581$37,056Entry Level (P10)$37,263$31,081Top Earner (P90)$57,571$44,779US Median $49,986

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Austin and Stephenville is $10,525 (28.40%). 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,Stephenville spans $13,698. 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
Stephenville
P10 (Entry)$31,081
P25$32,097
Median$37,056
P75$42,840
P90 (Top)$44,779

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Austin ($48,519 effective) pays 25.70% more than Stephenville ($38,600 effective).

Austin
Nominal: $47,581
CoL Index: 98.066
Adjusted: $48,519
Stephenville
Nominal: $37,056
CoL Index: 96
Adjusted: $38,600

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 Stephenville 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 Stephenville over the same period.

Austin, TX

+43.6%

$31,400 (2019) → $45,100 (2025)

Stephenville, TX

+3.0%

$34,101 (2024) → $35,124 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Austin has a higher median veterinary technologist and technician salary at $47,581/year, compared to Stephenville at $37,056/year — a difference of $10,525 (28.40%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Austin and Stephenville?

Austin veterinary technologist and technicians earn $22.87/hr while Stephenville hygienists earn $17.82/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Austin and Stephenville. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Austin = $48,519, Stephenville = $38,600), job availability (1,870 vs 6 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) veterinary technologist and technicians earn $37,263 in Austin and $31,081 in Stephenville. 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