Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Copperas Cove, TX: $18.42 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Copperas Cove, TX runs $18.42 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $38,325 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Copperas Cove's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $19.19 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $22,989 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay in Copperas Cove is projected to be $18.42 in 2026. This rate significantly lags behind the national hourly median of $24.03, illustrating the regional discrepancies in veterinary pay. For those working part-time, such as three days a week, this hourly wage translates to roughly $28,000 annually, a figure that might appeal to individuals pursuing flexible work arrangements. Per-diem workers, often engaged in settings like general practice treatment areas or specialty hospitals, can face varying pay rates, while entry-level technicians start at around $15.04 and can climb to $24.19 for those with more experience and responsibilities in roles such as emergency and critical care. These hourly rates are estimations derived from annual salary data, signaling the ongoing demand and need for skilled professionals in veterinary care.
About the Copperas Cove 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) | $15.04 | $120.35 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $15.35 | $122.80 |
| Median (P50) | $18.42 | $147.36 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $22.38 | $179.01 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $24.19 | $193.53 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Copperas Cove
Based on $18.42/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $18.42/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Copperas Cove, TX can expect to earn approximately $38,314 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $22,104. With a cost-of-living index of 96.00 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Copperas Cove.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Copperas Cove
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $736.81 | $3,193 | $38,314 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $442.09 | $1,916 | $22,989 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $294.72 | $1,277 | $15,326 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Copperas Cove) | $18.42 |
| 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 Copperas Cove, TX earn a median of $38,325 per year (2026 est.), which is 23.33% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 3.30% below the Texas state average of $39,633.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $18.42/hr = $22,989/year (purchasing power: $23,946).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $38,314/year (purchasing power: $39,911).
CoL index: 96 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$13.02/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$17.46/hr
2026 Current Est.
$18.42/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Copperas Cove (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $13.02/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $13.36/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $13.58/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $14.09/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $16.12/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $16.96/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $17.46/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $18.42/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $19.43/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Copperas Cove grew 34.1% from $13.02/hr (2019) to $17.46/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $19.43/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 Copperas Cove 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 Copperas Cove
Beyond the basic hourly pay, part-time veterinary technologists and technicians in Copperas Cove have both opportunities and challenges regarding their overall earnings. Those working 24 hours a week can expect to take home significantly less than their full-time counterparts, impacting their financial stability. Per-diem professionals often thrive in this environment, billing between $25 to $40 per hour, and VTS-credentialed specialists may command $35 to $55 for their expertise. Specialty roles typically associated with corporate veterinary chains like VCA or NVA may offer better rates but might also come with trade-offs such as diminished benefits. When negotiating hourly rates, candidates should leverage their expertise while considering whether to prioritize higher pay without benefits or a comprehensive package that combines salary and health coverage. Understanding employer trends and the existing shortage in the veterinary workforce can significantly inform one's negotiation strategy.
More salary data for Copperas Cove, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Copperas Cove in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Copperas Cove?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Copperas Cove paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Copperas Cove?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Copperas Cove?
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 Copperas Cove. 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 Copperas Cove 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