Vet Tech salary

Clovis vs Las Cruces: Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary (2026)

Compare veterinary technologist and technician salaries between Clovis, NM and Las Cruces, NM. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Clovis, NM
$44,810
$21.54/hr
Las Cruces, NM
$40,164
$19.31/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricClovis, NMLas Cruces, NM
Median Salary$44,810$40,164
Hourly Rate$21.54$19.31
Entry Level (P10)$35,281$32,388
25th Percentile$37,366$38,887
75th Percentile$53,557$48,425
Top Earner (P90)$57,185$52,687
Total Employed790
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Clovis ($44,810) and Las Cruces ($40,164) veterinary technologist and technician salaries.ClovisLas CrucesMedian Salary$44,810$40,164Entry Level (P10)$35,281$32,388Top Earner (P90)$57,185$52,687US Median $49,986

Verdict

Clovis, NM offers better overall compensation for veterinary technologists and technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Las Cruces.

The salary gap between Clovis and Las Cruces is $4,646 (11.57%). Clovis's median is -10.35% compared to the US national median of $49,986.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Clovis spans $21,904,Las Cruces spans $20,299. Clovis has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Clovis
P10 (Entry)$35,281
P25$37,366
Median$44,810
P75$53,557
P90 (Top)$57,185
Las Cruces
P10 (Entry)$32,388
P25$38,887
Median$40,164
P75$48,425
P90 (Top)$52,687

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Clovis ($47,468 effective) pays 6.62% more than Las Cruces ($44,522 effective).

Clovis
Nominal: $44,810
CoL Index: 94.4
Adjusted: $47,468
Las Cruces
Nominal: $40,164
CoL Index: 90.212
Adjusted: $44,522

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Clovis if…

  • Higher median salary ($44,810/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($57,185)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $47,468)
  • You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle

Choose Las Cruces if…

  • Larger job market (90 employed)
  • You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinary technologist and technician salaries in Clovis grew 39.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 36.0% growth in Las Cruces over the same period.

Clovis, NM

+39.4%

$30,479 (2024) → $42,474 (2025)

Las Cruces, NM

+36.0%

$27,990 (2019) → $38,070 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays veterinary technologist and technicians more: Clovis or Las Cruces?

Clovis has a higher median veterinary technologist and technician salary at $44,810/year, compared to Las Cruces at $40,164/year — a difference of $4,646 (11.57%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Clovis and Las Cruces?

Clovis veterinary technologist and technicians earn $21.54/hr while Las Cruces hygienists earn $19.31/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Clovis to Las Cruces as a veterinary technologist and technician?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Clovis and Las Cruces. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Clovis = $47,468, Las Cruces = $44,522), job availability (7 vs 90 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level veterinary technologist and technicians earn in Clovis vs Las Cruces?

Entry-level (10th percentile) veterinary technologist and technicians earn $35,281 in Clovis and $32,388 in Las Cruces. The Clovis area offers higher starting salaries.
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