Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Amarillo, TX: $19.73 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Amarillo, TX runs $19.73 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $41,035 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Amarillo's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $20.55 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $24,621 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Amarillo, TX, the projected hourly wage for veterinary technologists and technicians is $19.73, which is notably lower than the national median of $24.03. For those working part-time, such as three days a week, this rate translates into a manageable income while also allowing flexibility for other commitments. Typically employed in environments like general practice clinics or specialty hospitals, these professionals can expect to see hourly pay ranging from $13.56 for entry-level positions to $28.38 for those at the top of their field. The hourly earnings reflect the diverse responsibilities that veterinary technologists encounter, making these roles crucial in any veterinary setting, including university clinics, zoo medical units, and research facilities. This hourly data is a solid estimate based on annual salary figures collected from various veterinary practices in the area.
About the Amarillo Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($38,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $13.56 | $108.45 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $15.26 | $122.04 |
| Median (P50) | $19.73 | $157.83 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $25.13 | $201.04 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $28.38 | $227.04 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Amarillo
Based on $19.73/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $19.73/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Amarillo, TX can expect to earn approximately $41,035 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $23,674. With a cost-of-living index of 96.00 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Amarillo.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Amarillo
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $789.14 | $3,420 | $41,035 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $473.48 | $2,052 | $24,621 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $315.66 | $1,368 | $16,414 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Amarillo) | $19.73 |
| 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 Amarillo, TX earn a median of $41,035 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.91% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 3.50% above the Texas state average of $39,648.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $19.73/hr = $24,621/year (purchasing power: $25,647).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $41,035/year (purchasing power: $42,745).
CoL index: 96 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$13.72/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$18.70/hr
2026 Current Est.
$19.73/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+51.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Amarillo (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $13.72/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $13.00/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $13.84/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $14.32/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $15.12/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $17.57/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $18.70/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $19.73/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $20.81/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Amarillo grew 36.3% from $13.72/hr (2019) to $18.70/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $20.81/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 Amarillo 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 Amarillo
Looking closer at the earning dynamics, a veterinary technologist or technician working part-time, clocking in about 24 hours per week, would take home significantly less compared to a full-time worker, which may affect their annual financial stability. Per-diem positions, often billed at $25-$40 per hour, allow for increased flexibility and higher earning potential, especially in high-demand settings, such as emergency and critical care areas where rates can surge to between $30 and $50. Additionally, specialty technicians with VTS credentials can command impressive hourly wages, ranging from $35 to $55 in certain markets. However, many seek out traditional roles that offer benefits. These benefits might compensate for a lower hourly rate, presenting a trade-off that can impact job satisfaction long-term. For those negotiating pay in Amarillo’s veterinary market, considering variations by employer type—such as corporate chains versus private practices—can help maximize earning potential while navigating the realities of veterinary technician compensation in this region.
More salary data for Amarillo, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Amarillo in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Amarillo?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Amarillo paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Amarillo?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Amarillo?
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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 Amarillo. 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 Amarillo 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