Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Abilene, TX: $18.76 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Abilene, TX runs $18.76 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $39,014 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Abilene's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.4, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $20.76 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $23,410 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Abilene, TX, the veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay stands at a median rate of $18.76. This figure is notably lower than the national median of $24.03, reflecting the region's cost of living and demand dynamics. For part-time and per-diem workers in veterinary treatment settings—ranging from general practice clinics to specialty hospitals or research facilities—this hourly wage shapes their financial trajectories significantly. With an entry-level hourly rate starting around $14.91 and top earners reaching up to $23.40, potential workers must weigh their compensation against experience and job type. These numbers, derived from official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data, are critical when considering work-life balance, particularly for those seeking part-time employment in diverse veterinary environments.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $14.91 | $119.26 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $18.00 | $143.99 |
| Median (P50) | $18.76 | $150.06 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $22.49 | $179.94 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $23.40 | $187.20 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Abilene
Based on $18.76/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $18.76/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Abilene, TX can expect to earn approximately $39,016 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $22,509. With a cost-of-living index of 90.36 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Abilene.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Abilene
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $750.32 | $3,251 | $39,016 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $450.19 | $1,951 | $23,410 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $300.13 | $1,301 | $15,607 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Abilene) | $18.76 |
| 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 Abilene, TX earn a median of $39,014 per year (2026 est.), which is 21.95% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 1.60% below the Texas state average of $39,648.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $18.76/hr = $23,410/year (purchasing power: $25,906).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $39,016/year (purchasing power: $43,177).
CoL index: 90.364 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$12.32/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$17.78/hr
2026 Current Est.
$18.76/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+60.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Abilene (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $12.32/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $14.62/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $13.64/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $14.18/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $14.18/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $17.32/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $17.78/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $18.76/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $19.79/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Abilene grew 44.3% from $12.32/hr (2019) to $17.78/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $19.79/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 Abilene 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 Abilene
Assessing the part-time earning potential for veterinary technologists and technicians in Abilene reveals a contrasting reality against full-time employment. If a technician works three days a week, averaging 24 hours, they could expect to net approximately $30,000 annually, significantly less than their full-time counterparts. In the per-diem landscape, however, earning opportunities can escalate, with rates ranging from $25 to $40 per hour for on-demand positions. Typically, VTS-credentialed technicians can command between $35 and $55 per hour, especially in specialized settings like emergency clinics or surgical centers. Each workplace offers varied pay scales; for instance, corporate chains and research labs may provide different compensation and benefit structures compared to local practices or university hospitals. Those accepting lower hourly rates might seek benefits such as health insurance, while others opt for agencies offering higher pay without benefits. Effective negotiation is essential in Abilene’s market; understanding the diverse compensation ranges and workplace requirements will enhance one’s ability to secure favorable hourly arrangements.
More salary data for Abilene, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Abilene in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Abilene?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Abilene paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Abilene?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Abilene?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Texas
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 Abilene. 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