Entry-Level Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Hurst, TX: $28,609 (2026)
Quick Answer:New veterinary technologists and technicians entering the Hurst, TX job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $28,609 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2056, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Hurst's local price level (BEA RPP 96.0 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $29,801 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($38,524) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Hurst, Texas, new graduates entering the field of veterinary technology can anticipate an entry-level salary around $28,609 in 2026. For those recently finishing their education, this figure is significantly lower than the city’s median annual salary of $38,524, highlighting a distinct gap for entry-level positions. The upward trajectory is promising, as early career professionals can expect to see salaries increase to around $33,199 within a few years, eventually reaching the median as they gain experience. Considering the projected growth of 5.50% over the next five years, Hurst presents a competitive market for new veterinary technologist and technician roles, particularly with the rising demand driven by an acute workforce shortage in the veterinary field.
About the Hurst Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($38,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Hurst
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Hurst
Entry-level veterinary technologist and technicians in Hurst, TX typically start between $28,609 and $33,199 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $19,986 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $38,524 — 22.93% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average veterinary technology program cost in Texas of $22,000 represents just 76.90% of the starting veterinary technologist and technician pay ($28,609/year) in Hurst. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on AVMA CVTEA-accredited veterinary technology program data and state workforce commission reports. Tuition-only averages; actual costs vary by institution type (community college vs. private college).
Vet Tech Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Hurst
- 1Research the Hurst market: entry-level veterinary technologist and technician pay ranges from $28,609 to $33,199, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the veterinary technology field — employers in TX often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Hurst, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Hurst for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Hurst's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Compensation Range
The veterinary technologist and technician wage spread in Hurst is $19,986 ( 69.86%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $28,609, experienced hygienists can earn up to $48,595.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$18,628
2025 BLS Actual
$27,118
2026 Current Est.
$28,609
2019–2027 Growth
+62.0%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Hurst (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18,628 | Actual |
| 2020 | $19,380 | Actual |
| 2021 | $21,544 | Actual |
| 2022 | $22,022 | Actual |
| 2023 | $22,919 | Actual |
| 2024 | $24,313 | Actual |
| 2025 | $27,118 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28,609 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30,183 | Projected |
Entry-level veterinary technologist and technician compensation (10th percentile) in Hurst, TX grew 45.6% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $18,628 in 2019 to $27,118 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $30,183. New graduates entering the Hurst job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hurst metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 5.50% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your veterinary technology Career in Hurst
In Hurst, employers are actively seeking new veterinary technologist and technician graduates, primarily hiring at general practice clinics where individuals receive valuable on-the-job training. Larger corporate chains such as VCA and BluePearl often provide structured mentorship programs along with sign-on bonuses, enticing recent graduates in Texas. To improve job prospects and earning potential, it's advisable for new grads to possess a degree from an AVMA CVTEA-accredited program and pass the national VTNE exam, enabling them to earn state certifications like CVT, RVT, or LVT. Furthermore, pursuing the Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) pathway could unlock opportunities for advanced credentialing and significantly higher salaries, with some roles commanding between $30-$45 per hour. For those in their first few years, realistic salary growth expectations hinge on staying engaged in continuing education and seeking out specialty training amidst a rapidly evolving job market.
More salary data for Hurst, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for veterinary technologists and technicians in Hurst in 2026?
How fast do veterinary technologist and technician salaries grow in Hurst?
Is veterinary technology school worth it in Hurst?
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How do I become a veterinary technologist and technician in Texas?
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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.
Methodology & Data Source
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new veterinary technology graduates. A 5.50% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Hurst. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Hurst is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.50%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for veterinary technologist and technicians (SOC 29-2056).
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