Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Galveston, TX: $19.12 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Galveston, TX runs $19.12 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $39,765 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Galveston's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $19.91 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $23,858 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Veterinary technologists and technicians in Galveston, Texas, can expect a median hourly pay of $19.12 in 2026, which falls significantly below the national median of $24.03 per hour. This disparity can have a notable impact on both part-time and per-diem workers in various environments, such as general practice clinics, specialty hospitals, and animal care facilities. For those working part-time, like a typical 3-day work week, the lower hourly rate may not offer as robust financial support. The hourly range for this profession extends from $14.09 for entry-level positions to $25.25 for experienced technicians, providing a wide variance in potential earnings depending on skills and employer type. These rates are projected estimates based on annual salary data and reflect the ongoing veterinary technician workforce shortages that have pushed pay scales in many areas.
About the Galveston 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) | $14.09 | $112.76 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $15.34 | $122.72 |
| Median (P50) | $19.12 | $152.93 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $23.24 | $185.93 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $25.25 | $201.97 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Galveston
Based on $19.12/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $19.12/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Galveston, TX can expect to earn approximately $39,763 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $22,940. With a cost-of-living index of 96.00 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Galveston.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Galveston
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $764.66 | $3,314 | $39,763 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $458.80 | $1,988 | $23,858 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $305.87 | $1,325 | $15,905 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Galveston) | $19.12 |
| 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 Galveston, TX earn a median of $39,765 per year (2026 est.), which is 20.45% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 0.30% above the Texas state average of $39,646.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $19.12/hr = $23,858/year (purchasing power: $24,852).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $39,763/year (purchasing power: $41,419).
CoL index: 96 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$13.51/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$18.12/hr
2026 Current Est.
$19.12/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Galveston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $13.51/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $13.87/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $14.09/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $14.62/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $16.73/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $17.59/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $18.12/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $19.12/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $20.17/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Galveston grew 34.1% from $13.51/hr (2019) to $18.12/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $20.17/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 Galveston 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 Galveston
In terms of part-time earnings, a veterinary technologist or technician working 24 hours a week could make a considerable difference compared to a full-time income. Over a year, this could result in a significantly lower income than their full-time counterparts. Per-diem veterinary technologist and technician pay in Galveston can vary widely, with professionals in agency or locum positions often billing between $25 and $40 per hour, while specialty technicians can earn from $35 to $55 per hour. The types of employers play a crucial role in determining hourly pay. For instance, specialty referral hospitals or corporate chains may offer different rates than general practice clinics or research positions. Additionally, some veterinary technologists and technicians may opt for higher hourly wages that lack benefits, while others may prefer lower hourly rates for the security of health insurance provided by full-time roles. Negotiation for hourly pay can also be critical, especially given the ongoing demand in Galveston, where workers might leverage their credentials and certifications, such as VTS, to secure better compensation packages.
More salary data for Galveston, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Galveston in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Galveston?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Galveston paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Galveston?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Galveston?
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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 Galveston. 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 Galveston 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