Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Las Cruces, NM: $19.31 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Las Cruces, NM runs $19.31 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $40,164 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Las Cruces's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.2, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $21.40 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $24,095 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Las Cruces, the median hourly pay for veterinary technologists and technicians stands at $19.31, significantly below the national median of $24.03. This discrepancy suggests that job seekers in the area might need to consider various employment settings if they aim to maximize their income. The hourly range for this occupation varies, with entry-level technicians earning approximately $15.57 and experienced professionals potentially making upwards of $25.33. This official BLS data reflects not only full-time positions but also the typical compensation for part-time and per-diem workers in diverse environments, such as general practice treatment areas, specialty hospital ICUs, university clinics, and pharmaceutical research facilities. Given the projected pay figures for 2026, aspiring veterinary technologists and technicians in Las Cruces should remain informed about the local job market and potential earning opportunities.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $15.57 | $124.57 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $18.69 | $149.56 |
| Median (P50) | $19.31 | $154.45 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $23.28 | $186.27 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $25.33 | $202.64 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Las Cruces
Based on $19.31/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $19.31/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Las Cruces, NM can expect to earn approximately $40,158 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $23,168. With a cost-of-living index of 90.21 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Las Cruces.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Las Cruces
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $772.26 | $3,346 | $40,158 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $463.36 | $2,008 | $24,095 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $308.90 | $1,339 | $16,063 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Las Cruces) | $19.31 |
| 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 Las Cruces, NM earn a median of $40,164 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.65% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 14.90% below the New Mexico state average of $47,196.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $19.31/hr = $24,095/year (purchasing power: $26,709).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $40,158/year (purchasing power: $44,515).
CoL index: 90.212 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$13.46/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$18.30/hr
2026 Current Est.
$19.31/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+51.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Las Cruces (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $13.46/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $13.74/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $13.73/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $16.79/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $16.88/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $17.62/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $18.30/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $19.31/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $20.37/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Las Cruces grew 36.0% from $13.46/hr (2019) to $18.30/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $20.37/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 Las Cruces 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 Las Cruces
Part-time veterinary technologists and technicians working three days a week can anticipate a substantial difference in their annual earnings compared to full-time roles. By committing to a 24-hour work week, they would generally take home around $23,700, which still allows for flexibility but significantly lowers overall income. On the other hand, per-diem veterinary professionals enjoying more flexible schedules may command higher billable rates, commonly between $25 and $40 per hour. Those with specialized credentials, like Veterinary Technician Specialists (VTS), can earn between $35 and $55 for their expertise in specialty fields. Various employer types, including general practice clinics and corporate hospitals, can influence hourly pay, with certain positions offering lower rates in exchange for benefits such as health insurance. Negotiating for better rates can also play a key role, and candidates are encouraged to consider both hourly pay and additional benefits to strike an optimal balance that works for their personal circumstances in Las Cruces, NM.
More salary data for Las Cruces, NM:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Las Cruces in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Las Cruces?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Las Cruces paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Las Cruces?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Las Cruces?
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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 Las Cruces. 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