Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Baytown, TX: $18.96 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Baytown, TX runs $18.96 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $39,441 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Baytown's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $19.75 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $23,660 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Baytown, Texas, the hourly compensation for veterinary technologists and technicians is projected to reach $18.96 in 2026, which is significantly lower than the national average hourly rate of $24.03. This discrepancy highlights the impact of local market dynamics on earnings potential. For those working part-time, such as on a three-day work week, the income can still provide a steady livelihood, reflecting well in settings like general practice veterinary clinics, specialty hospitals, or even university teaching hospitals. Entry-level positions may start around $13.76 per hour, while experienced professionals can earn up to $24.78 hourly, demonstrating that there is a significant range in pay based on experience and specialized skills.
About the Baytown 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) | $13.76 | $110.06 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $15.02 | $120.19 |
| Median (P50) | $18.96 | $151.67 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $22.85 | $182.81 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $24.78 | $198.26 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Baytown
Based on $18.96/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $18.96/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Baytown, TX can expect to earn approximately $39,433 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $22,750. With a cost-of-living index of 96.00 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Baytown.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Baytown
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $758.33 | $3,286 | $39,433 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $455.00 | $1,972 | $23,660 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $303.33 | $1,314 | $15,773 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Baytown) | $18.96 |
| 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 Baytown, TX earn a median of $39,441 per year (2026 est.), which is 21.10% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 0.50% below the Texas state average of $39,639.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $18.96/hr = $23,660/year (purchasing power: $24,646).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $39,433/year (purchasing power: $41,076).
CoL index: 96 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$13.40/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$17.97/hr
2026 Current Est.
$18.96/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Baytown (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $13.40/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $13.75/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $13.98/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $14.50/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $16.59/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $17.45/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $17.97/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $18.96/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $20.00/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Baytown grew 34.1% from $13.40/hr (2019) to $17.97/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $20.00/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 Baytown 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 Baytown
Part-time veterinary technologists and technicians working 24 hours a week in Baytown could take home an estimated annual income of approximately $23,513, in contrast to full-time earnings. Per-diem workers typically earn significantly more, billing between $25-$40 per hour depending on the demand. Specialty positions, particularly for VTS-credentialed technicians, might see hourly rates ranging from $35 to $55. In markets where veterinary staff shortages are prevalent, weekend or overnight emergency coverage might attract rates as high as $30 to $50. The variation in hourly rates across different employers, including corporate chains and specialty referrals, often influences individual decisions on whether to accept lower pay with job benefits or pursue higher pay without the safety net of health coverage. For professionals in Baytown, negotiation is key; understanding local rates and leveraging skills can help in securing better hourly compensation.
More salary data for Baytown, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Baytown in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Baytown?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Baytown paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Baytown?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Baytown?
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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 Baytown. 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 Baytown 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