Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in DeSoto, TX: $19.11 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in DeSoto, TX runs $19.11 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $39,737 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against DeSoto's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $19.90 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $23,844 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, the veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay in DeSoto, TX, is projected to be $19.11, which is significantly lower than the national median of $24.03. For individuals working part-time—say three days a week in various environments like general practice treatment areas, specialty hospitals, or university clinics—this rate can translate to a monthly income that may not fully support a comfortable living in the area. The hourly range in DeSoto extends from $14.06 for entry-level positions to $26.42 for the top earners. These figures, estimated from annual salary data, indicate that while there are opportunities to grow in the field, especially for those who pursue further credentials or advanced specialties, many newcomers may initially find it challenging to earn above the lower percentile.
About the DeSoto 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) | $14.06 | $112.51 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $15.31 | $122.46 |
| Median (P50) | $19.11 | $152.85 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $22.79 | $182.30 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $26.42 | $211.34 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in DeSoto
Based on $19.11/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $19.11/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in DeSoto, TX can expect to earn approximately $39,741 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $22,927. With a cost-of-living index of 96.00 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in DeSoto.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in DeSoto
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $764.24 | $3,312 | $39,741 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $458.55 | $1,987 | $23,844 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $305.70 | $1,325 | $15,896 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (DeSoto) | $19.11 |
| 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 DeSoto, TX earn a median of $39,737 per year (2026 est.), which is 20.50% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 0.20% above the Texas state average of $39,657.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $19.11/hr = $23,844/year (purchasing power: $24,838).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $39,741/year (purchasing power: $41,396).
CoL index: 96 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$13.50/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$18.11/hr
2026 Current Est.
$19.11/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in DeSoto (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $13.50/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $13.86/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $14.09/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $14.62/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $16.72/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $17.58/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $18.11/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $19.11/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $20.16/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in DeSoto grew 34.1% from $13.50/hr (2019) to $18.11/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $20.16/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 DeSoto 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 DeSoto
Considering part-time earning potential, a veterinary technologist and technician working 24 hours a week could take home around $25,310 annually, which is substantially less than a full-time worker. Per-diem veterinary technologists often bill rates ranging from $25 to $40 per hour, while VTS-credentialed technicians in specialties can command upwards of $35 to $55 per hour, particularly during high-need situations like overnight emergency care. Employers such as corporate chain hospitals and specialty referral centers in DeSoto tend to offer varied hourly rates depending on the type of facility, insurance benefits, and job security they provide. While some may choose to accept lower hourly wages in exchange for healthcare coverage, higher rates typically correlate with less job security. Negotiating a competitive hourly rate often requires demonstrating specialized skills or certifications—essential for addressing the acute vet tech workforce shortage in the region.
More salary data for DeSoto, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in DeSoto in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in DeSoto?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in DeSoto paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in DeSoto?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in DeSoto?
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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 DeSoto. 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 DeSoto 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