Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Corpus Christi, TX: $18.69 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Corpus Christi, TX runs $18.69 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $38,877 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Corpus Christi's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.7, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $20.17 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $23,331 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Corpus Christi, the veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay averages $18.69, significantly lower than the national hourly median of $24.03. This difference can impact the financial well-being of those working in various settings, including general practice treatment areas, specialty hospital ICU wards, university teaching hospitals, zoo animal medical units, and pharmaceutical research facilities. For part-time workers, such as those employed three days a week, the hourly pay translates into a targeted income of around $24,000 annually, while their per diem counterparts typically earn more, often between $11.66 and $23.73 per hour based on experience and skill level. The wage range offers opportunities for entry-level positions starting at around $11.66 and the potential for experienced professionals to earn as much as $23.73 per hour in this diverse job market.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $11.66 | $93.26 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $15.11 | $120.86 |
| Median (P50) | $18.69 | $149.56 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $22.64 | $181.12 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $23.73 | $189.82 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Corpus Christi
Based on $18.69/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $18.69/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Corpus Christi, TX can expect to earn approximately $38,885 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $22,434. With a cost-of-living index of 92.67 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Corpus Christi.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Corpus Christi
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $747.78 | $3,240 | $38,885 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $448.67 | $1,944 | $23,331 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $299.11 | $1,296 | $15,554 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Corpus Christi) | $18.69 |
| 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 Corpus Christi, TX earn a median of $38,877 per year (2026 est.), which is 22.22% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 1.90% below the Texas state average of $39,630.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $18.69/hr = $23,331/year (purchasing power: $25,176).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $38,885/year (purchasing power: $41,960).
CoL index: 92.671 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$13.25/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$17.72/hr
2026 Current Est.
$18.69/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+48.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Corpus Christi (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $13.25/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $13.73/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $13.94/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $14.51/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $13.97/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $16.78/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $17.72/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $18.69/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $19.72/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Corpus Christi grew 33.7% from $13.25/hr (2019) to $17.72/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $19.72/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 Corpus Christi 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 Corpus Christi
Considering the hourly dynamics, part-time veterinary technologists and technicians in Corpus Christi may find themselves earning significantly less compared to full-time counterparts when factoring in fewer hours worked throughout the year. Those opting for per diem roles often benefit from higher hourly rates, billing rates commonly between $25 and $40, with VTS-certified specialists earning even more. Specific categories, like weekend or overnight shifts in high-demand emergency settings, can fetch $30-$50 an hour. This variability highlights a trend where hourly pay differs across employer types, such as general practices, corporate chain hospitals, specialty referral centers, and research labs. While some may choose lower hourly rates for job security and benefits, others prioritize higher pay without health coverage. Negotiation strategies for hourly workers in Corpus Christi benefit from knowledge of local market rates, emphasizing skills obtained through NAVTA or VTS credentials, which can further leverage earning potential in a competitive vet tech workforce.
More salary data for Corpus Christi, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Corpus Christi in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Corpus Christi?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Corpus Christi paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Corpus Christi?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Corpus Christi?
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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 Corpus Christi. 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