Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Cedar Park, TX: $18.98 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Cedar Park, TX runs $18.98 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $39,471 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Cedar Park's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $19.77 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $23,686 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Cedar Park, Texas, veterinary technologists and technicians are projected to earn a median hourly rate of $18.98 in 2026, a figure significantly lower than the national median of $24.03 per hour. This hourly wage positions local professionals within a range from $13.77 at the entry level to about $25.97 for experienced workers at the top of their field. For those considering part-time or per-diem work, like at general practice clinics, specialty hospitals, or even research facilities, this means that working about three shifts a week can yield a steady income, albeit less than full-time counterparts. The hourly rates for per-diem workers, especially those with specialty credentials, can vary widely, which influences their choices on where to work and how many hours to commit in this dynamic sector.
About the Cedar Park 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) | $13.77 | $110.14 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $15.05 | $120.44 |
| Median (P50) | $18.98 | $151.84 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $23.62 | $188.97 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $25.97 | $207.79 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Cedar Park
Based on $18.98/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $18.98/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Cedar Park, TX can expect to earn approximately $39,477 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $22,775. With a cost-of-living index of 96.00 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Cedar Park.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Cedar Park
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $759.18 | $3,290 | $39,477 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $455.51 | $1,974 | $23,686 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $303.67 | $1,316 | $15,791 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Cedar Park) | $18.98 |
| 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 Cedar Park, TX earn a median of $39,471 per year (2026 est.), which is 21.04% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 0.40% below the Texas state average of $39,629.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $18.98/hr = $23,686/year (purchasing power: $24,673).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $39,477/year (purchasing power: $41,122).
CoL index: 96 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$13.41/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$17.99/hr
2026 Current Est.
$18.98/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Cedar Park (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $13.41/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $13.77/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $13.99/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $14.52/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $16.61/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $17.46/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $17.99/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $18.98/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $20.02/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Cedar Park grew 34.1% from $13.41/hr (2019) to $17.99/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $20.02/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 Cedar Park 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 Cedar Park
Earning potential for part-time veterinary technologists and technicians becomes particularly noteworthy when analyzing their take-home pay. While a full-time employee can expect more stability in their annual earnings, those working three days a week at 24 hours total can anticipate a significantly lower annual income, yet still enjoy a good work-life balance. Per-diem positions often offer higher pay—ranging between $25 and $40 per hour—especially for those with Veterinary Technician Specialty (VTS) credentials who can earn anywhere from $35 to $55 per hour. This flexibility is attractive in a field experiencing workforce shortages, especially at corporate chain hospitals in Cedar Park, where pay scales may be less competitive than in specialty facilities. However, many technicians must weigh these higher hourly rates against benefits such as health insurance offered by full-time positions, making informed negotiation essential when considering job offers. Understanding the local job market dynamics can help candidates navigate compensation effectively, ensuring they are compensated fairly for their expertise in this critical area of animal care.
More salary data for Cedar Park, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Cedar Park in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Cedar Park?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Cedar Park paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Cedar Park?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Cedar Park?
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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 Cedar Park. 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 Cedar Park 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