Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Albuquerque, NM: $23.66 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Albuquerque, NM runs $23.66 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $49,216 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Albuquerque's regional price level (BEA RPP 95.5, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $24.77 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,532 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Albuquerque, the 2026 estimates project a median hourly pay of $23.66 for veterinary technologists and technicians, slightly trailing the national median of $24.03. This rate reflects the diverse opportunities within the field, accommodating both full-time and part-time schedules. Those working three days a week can find themselves earning a steady income that provides flexibility while working in various settings, including general practice clinics, specialized hospital wards, and educational institutions. Entry-level technologists might start around $17.70 per hour, while seasoned professionals can command rates up to $29.26, demonstrating a clear growth potential as experience and specialization increase.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $17.70 | $141.62 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.20 | $153.61 |
| Median (P50) | $23.66 | $189.31 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $24.79 | $198.34 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $29.26 | $234.04 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Albuquerque
Based on $23.66/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.66/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Albuquerque, NM can expect to earn approximately $49,220 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,396. With a cost-of-living index of 95.55 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Albuquerque.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Albuquerque
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $946.55 | $4,102 | $49,220 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $567.93 | $2,461 | $29,532 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $378.62 | $1,641 | $19,688 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Albuquerque) | $23.66 |
| Veterinary Assistant (National Avg) | $17.99 |
| Veterinarian (National Avg) | $60.38 |
| Animal Care and Service Worker (National Avg) | $15.87 |
| Medical Lab Technician (National Avg) | $28.18 |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Albuquerque, NM earn a median of $49,216 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.54% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 4.30% above the New Mexico state average of $47,187.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.66/hr = $29,532/year (purchasing power: $30,909).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $49,220/year (purchasing power: $51,515).
CoL index: 95.546 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$17.02/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.43/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.66/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+46.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Albuquerque (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.02/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $16.12/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.26/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $17.18/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $17.97/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $18.45/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.43/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.66/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.97/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Albuquerque grew 31.8% from $17.02/hr (2019) to $22.43/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.97/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem veterinary technologists and technicians can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Albuquerque 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.
Working as an Hourly Veterinary Technologist and Technician in Albuquerque
For part-time veterinary technologists and technicians in Albuquerque, working 24 hours weekly could yield an annual income that’s significantly lower than full-time counterparts, yet still competitive for those seeking work-life balance. Per diem roles often pay more, with rates typically ranging from $25 to $40 per hour, especially in high-need areas such as emergency or specialty services. Many technicians with VTS credentials can expect to see even higher rates, reaching $35 to $55 per hour for specialized skills. However, a trade-off often exists between higher hourly pay and essential benefits, such as health insurance, which some may choose over higher wages without benefits. For those negotiating their hourly rate, it may be wise to consider various employer types in Albuquerque—whether it's a corporate chain, specialty hospital, or research facility—and leverage the acute workforce shortage to maximize compensation based on their qualifications and experiences.
More salary data for Albuquerque, NM:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Albuquerque in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Albuquerque?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Albuquerque paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Albuquerque?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Albuquerque?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in New Mexico
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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 5.50% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for veterinary technologists and technicians in Albuquerque. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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