Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Brownsville, TX: $19.32 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Brownsville, TX runs $19.32 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $40,185 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Brownsville's regional price level (BEA RPP 86.0, 14% below national), each hour of work buys what $22.47 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $24,108 per year.
Official BLS data · View source

In Brownsville, Texas, veterinary technologists and technicians can expect a median hourly pay of $19.32, which is notably lower than the national median of $24.03. This differential impacts both full-time and part-time employment structures within the field, making it crucial for professionals considering different work arrangements. For those working part-time, typically three days a week, this hourly rate translates to a consistent income, albeit less than their fully employed counterparts. Entry-level technicians may start at around $11.36 per hour, while those in top earning brackets, with specialized credentials or extensive experience, can earn up to $25.33 per hour. These figures are derived from projections based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, reflecting the expected economic environment for this role in 2026.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $11.36 | $90.90 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $17.75 | $141.96 |
| Median (P50) | $19.32 | $154.54 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $22.59 | $180.70 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $25.33 | $202.64 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Brownsville
Based on $19.32/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $19.32/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Brownsville, TX can expect to earn approximately $40,179 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $23,180. With a cost-of-living index of 85.97 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Brownsville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Brownsville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $772.68 | $3,348 | $40,179 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $463.61 | $2,009 | $24,108 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $309.07 | $1,339 | $16,072 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Brownsville) | $19.32 |
| 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 Brownsville, TX earn a median of $40,185 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.61% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 1.40% above the Texas state average of $39,630.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $19.32/hr = $24,108/year (purchasing power: $28,040).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $40,179/year (purchasing power: $46,734).
CoL index: 85.975 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$14.92/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$18.31/hr
2026 Current Est.
$19.32/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+36.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Brownsville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $14.92/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $13.30/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $13.74/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $13.79/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $15.05/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $15.48/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $18.31/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $19.32/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $20.38/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Brownsville grew 22.7% from $14.92/hr (2019) to $18.31/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $20.38/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 Brownsville 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 Brownsville
When evaluating the part-time earning potential of a veterinary technologist and technician working three days a week, it’s essential to understand the significant difference one can expect compared to full-time wages. A technician working 24 hours weekly at the projected hourly pay would receive approximately $24,000 annually. In contrast, per-diem employment offers enticing opportunities; per diem veterinary technologists and technicians in Brownsville often command $25-$40 per hour, with VTS-credentialed specialty techs potentially earning $35-$55 per hour. Weekend or overnight shifts at understaffed facilities can also yield higher rates between $30 and $50 hourly. The variety of employer settings creates a broad range of compensation options. Chain hospitals and specialty referral hospitals might present different hourly standards, influenced by corporate pay scales and benefits packages. For many, weighing the trade-off between higher hourly rates and lower benefits versus more modest hourly pay with comprehensive health coverage is part of the decision-making process. Negotiating direct hourly wages is critical, particularly in a market where veterinary care is in high demand, and professionals with specialized credentials hold an advantage.
More salary data for Brownsville, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Brownsville in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Brownsville?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Brownsville paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Brownsville?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Brownsville?
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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 Brownsville. 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