Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Gallup, NM: $21.09 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Gallup, NM runs $21.09 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $43,871 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Gallup's regional price level (BEA RPP 94.4, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $22.34 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $26,320 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Veterinary technologists and technicians in Gallup, NM earn a median hourly rate of $21.09, which falls short of the national median hourly rate of $24.03. This disparity highlights the varying earning potential within the field, particularly for part-time and per-diem workers. For individuals working part-time, say three days a week, their earnings would be reflective of their schedule, translating to around $1,190 monthly based solely on hourly pay, not considering added benefits. The range of hourly wages in Gallup extends from $17.50 at entry levels to approximately $26.53 for those at the top of the pay scale, showcasing the differences based on experience and expertise. These figures are based on annual salary data, yet they serve as a substantial insight into what one might expect in settings like veterinary clinics, specialty hospitals, and other related facilities.
About the Gallup Market
Salary estimated from New Mexico average ($34,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $17.50 | $140.02 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $18.12 | $145.00 |
| Median (P50) | $21.09 | $168.72 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $25.48 | $203.83 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $26.53 | $212.27 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Gallup
Based on $21.09/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $21.09/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Gallup, NM can expect to earn approximately $43,866 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $25,307. With a cost-of-living index of 94.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Gallup.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Gallup
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $843.58 | $3,656 | $43,866 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $506.15 | $2,193 | $26,320 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $337.43 | $1,462 | $17,546 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Gallup) | $21.09 |
| 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 Gallup, NM earn a median of $43,871 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.23% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 7.00% below the New Mexico state average of $47,173.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $21.09/hr = $26,320/year (purchasing power: $27,881).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $43,866/year (purchasing power: $46,468).
CoL index: 94.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$14.90/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$19.99/hr
2026 Current Est.
$21.09/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Gallup (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $14.90/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $15.30/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $15.55/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $16.13/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $18.45/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $14.35/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $19.99/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $21.09/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $22.25/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Gallup grew 34.1% from $14.90/hr (2019) to $19.99/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $22.25/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 Gallup 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 Gallup
Examining the earning potential for part-time veterinary technologists and technicians reveals a significant variance when compared to full-time opportunities. By working 24 hours a week, a technician might take home around $33,030 annually, in contrast to a full-time worker’s potential earnings. For those in per-diem roles, hourly rates can vary substantially, with positions billing anywhere from $25 to $40 per hour, especially for VTS-credentialed specialty techs, who can earn between $35 and $55 per hour in high-demand areas. Specialty environments, like referral hospitals or emergency centers, may offer even higher hourly compensation ranging from $30 to $50 to fill staffing gaps. The choice between higher hourly pay without benefits and stable earnings that include health insurance is a common decision point for many technicians in Gallup. To optimize their negotiations, workers should research prevailing pay rates and show flexibility in terms of working hours and commitments. Familiarity with local pay structures, particularly among varying employer types in the region, will also hold considerable weight in achieving fair compensation.
More salary data for Gallup, NM:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Gallup in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Gallup?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Gallup paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Gallup?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Gallup?
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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
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 Gallup. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Gallup 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