Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Del Rio, TX: $18.76 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Del Rio, TX runs $18.76 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $39,027 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Del Rio's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $19.54 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $23,410 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Del Rio, the veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay is projected to be $18.76 in 2026, which is notably below the national median of $24.03. This rate reflects the compensation for various roles within the field, including those working in general practice treatment areas, specialty hospitals, and even zoos or research facilities. For part-time workers putting in three days per week, this hourly rate could translate to an annual income that fits within the lower end of the spectrum, as employers often seek to maintain lower wage structures in regions with a cost of living index of 96. The hourly range for these technicians in Del Rio spans from $14.32 to $23.43, showcasing the disparity in earning potential between entry-level positions and seasoned professionals.
About the Del Rio 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) | $14.32 | $114.53 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $15.33 | $122.63 |
| Median (P50) | $18.76 | $150.06 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $22.10 | $176.82 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $23.43 | $187.45 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Del Rio
Based on $18.76/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $18.76/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Del Rio, TX can expect to earn approximately $39,016 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $22,509. With a cost-of-living index of 96.00 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Del Rio.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Del Rio
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $750.32 | $3,251 | $39,016 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $450.19 | $1,951 | $23,410 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $300.13 | $1,301 | $15,607 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Del Rio) | $18.76 |
| 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 Del Rio, TX earn a median of $39,027 per year (2026 est.), which is 21.92% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 1.60% below the Texas state average of $39,661.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $18.76/hr = $23,410/year (purchasing power: $24,385).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $39,016/year (purchasing power: $40,642).
CoL index: 96 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$13.25/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$17.78/hr
2026 Current Est.
$18.76/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Del Rio (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 | $13.61/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $13.83/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $14.35/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $16.41/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $17.27/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $17.78/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $18.76/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $19.79/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Del Rio grew 34.1% from $13.25/hr (2019) to $17.78/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $19.79/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 Del Rio 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 Del Rio
Exploring the financial implications for part-time veterinary technologists and technicians, those working three days a week (approximately 24 hours) would bring home significantly less than their full-time counterparts. In contrast, per diem opportunities present a more lucrative alternative, with rates commonly ranging from $25 to $40 per hour for agency or locum positions, and even higher for specialty roles, where VTS-credentialed technicians can earn between $35 and $55 per hour. Differences in pay arise from employer types, with general practice clinics generally offering lower wages compared to corporate hospitals or specialized facilities, which can command fresher talent with enhanced pay rates. Furthermore, while some may opt for positions with lower hourly rates that include health benefits, others may seek out higher per diem pay despite the lack of such benefits, making the choice a strategic one. When negotiating in Del Rio, technicians should emphasize their skills and potential contributions to secure better hourly rates, especially in a market facing a skilled worker shortage.
More salary data for Del Rio, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Del Rio in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Del Rio?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Del Rio paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Del Rio?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Del Rio?
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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 Del Rio. 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 Del Rio 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