Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Taos, NM: $20.87 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Taos, NM runs $20.87 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $43,410 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Taos's regional price level (BEA RPP 94.4, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $22.11 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $26,043 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Taos, New Mexico, the veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay is projected to reach a median of $20.87 in 2026, notably lower than the national median of $24.03 per hour. This disparity suggests that for part-time workers, such as those putting in three days a week, earnings would amount to approximately $31,030 annually if calculating based on 24 hours a week, which is modest compared to a full-time salary. The hourly rate for this profession in Taos spans from $16.86 for entry-level positions to $25.85 for those at the top of the pay scale, indicating varied earnings depending on experience and specialization in various settings including general practice clinics, specialty hospitals, and research facilities.
About the Taos 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) | $16.86 | $134.87 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $17.67 | $141.37 |
| Median (P50) | $20.87 | $166.94 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $24.52 | $196.15 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $25.85 | $206.78 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Taos
Based on $20.87/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $20.87/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Taos, NM can expect to earn approximately $43,405 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $25,041. With a cost-of-living index of 94.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Taos.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Taos
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $834.72 | $3,617 | $43,405 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $500.83 | $2,170 | $26,043 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $333.89 | $1,447 | $17,362 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Taos) | $20.87 |
| 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 Taos, NM earn a median of $43,410 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.16% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 8.00% below the New Mexico state average of $47,185.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $20.87/hr = $26,043/year (purchasing power: $27,588).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $43,405/year (purchasing power: $45,980).
CoL index: 94.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$14.75/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$19.78/hr
2026 Current Est.
$20.87/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Taos (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $14.75/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $15.14/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $15.38/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $15.96/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $18.26/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $14.20/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $19.78/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $20.87/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $22.02/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Taos grew 34.1% from $14.75/hr (2019) to $19.78/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $22.02/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 Taos 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 Taos
Considering the broader context, per-diem veterinary technologist and technician pay in Taos can be particularly appealing, with many professionals earning between $25 and $40 per hour depending on their credentials and the demands of the workplace. For instance, VTS-credentialed specialty technicians may command rates upward of $35-$55 per hour, particularly in high-stress environments such as emergency and critical care services, where understaffed hospitals frequently offer premium pay for weekend and overnight shifts. The type of employer and the associated benefits can influence decisions significantly; while corporate chains may offer lower hourly rates, they often provide essential benefits like health insurance, making them appealing for workers prioritizing job security. Negotiating the right pay rate involves understanding the local market in Taos and aligning one’s skills and certifications with the needs of potential employers.
More salary data for Taos, NM:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Taos in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Taos?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Taos paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Taos?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Taos?
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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 Taos. 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 Taos 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