Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in South Valley, NM: $21.97 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in South Valley, NM runs $21.97 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $45,696 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against South Valley's regional price level (BEA RPP 94.4, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $23.27 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $27,412 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In South Valley, NM, the projected median hourly pay for veterinary technologists and technicians is $21.97, which falls short of the national hourly median of $24.03. For part-time workers operating in varied settings—such as general practice treatment areas or specialty hospitals—their earnings can provide a decent income. Working three days a week, or 24 hours, allows part-time professionals to take home a manageable yearly wage while still enjoying benefits like flexibility. Entry-level positions may start at about $16.18 per hour, with more experienced technicians earning up to $28.86, highlighting a significant earning potential that escalates with experience and specialization.
About the South Valley 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) | $16.18 | $129.47 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $18.84 | $150.74 |
| Median (P50) | $21.97 | $175.72 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $26.77 | $214.12 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $28.86 | $230.92 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in South Valley
Based on $21.97/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $21.97/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in South Valley, NM can expect to earn approximately $45,687 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $26,358. With a cost-of-living index of 94.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in South Valley.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in South Valley
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $878.60 | $3,807 | $45,687 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $527.16 | $2,284 | $27,412 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $351.44 | $1,523 | $18,275 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (South Valley) | $21.97 |
| 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 South Valley, NM earn a median of $45,696 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.58% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 3.20% below the New Mexico state average of $47,207.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $21.97/hr = $27,412/year (purchasing power: $29,039).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $45,687/year (purchasing power: $48,398).
CoL index: 94.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$15.52/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$20.82/hr
2026 Current Est.
$21.97/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in South Valley (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $15.52/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $15.93/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $16.19/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $16.80/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $19.22/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $14.94/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $20.82/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $21.97/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $23.17/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in South Valley grew 34.1% from $15.52/hr (2019) to $20.82/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $23.17/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 South Valley 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 South Valley
For those considering a per-diem role in the veterinary field, it presents a different financial scenario. Per-diem veterinary technologists and technicians often bill between $25 and $40 per hour, which surpasses the standard hourly rate for full-time positions. Specialized technicians with VTS certification can earn anywhere from $35 to $55 per hour, particularly in fields like emergency and critical care. Working for corporate chain hospitals may yield different pay structures, as many facilities offer competitive compensation alongside benefits. Navigating the pay structure in South Valley also requires an understanding of employer types and their unique compensation packages. While some may opt for lower hourly rates in exchange for health insurance, others may prefer the flexibility of higher pay without benefits. Professionals should also consider negotiating for better pay by emphasizing their specialty training or experience, potentially paving the way to higher earnings in a competitive job market.
More salary data for South Valley, NM:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in South Valley in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in South Valley?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in South Valley paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in South Valley?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in South Valley?
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 South Valley. 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 South Valley 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