Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Harlingen, TX: $19.67 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Harlingen, TX runs $19.67 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $40,900 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Harlingen's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $20.48 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $24,542 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Harlingen, Texas, the projected veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay for 2026 stands at $19.67. This figure is notably lower than the national hourly median of $24.03, indicating a compensation gap that aspiring professionals in the region need to consider. For part-time workers, particularly those putting in three days a week, this translates to a modest annual pay that can vary significantly between entry-level and more experienced positions. The hourly pay can range from approximately $14.66 at the lower end to $25.48 for top earners in the field, reflecting the diverse settings in which these professionals work, including general practice clinics, specialty hospitals, and even research facilities.
About the Harlingen 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) | $14.66 | $117.32 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $16.64 | $133.10 |
| Median (P50) | $19.67 | $157.32 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $23.57 | $188.55 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $25.48 | $203.83 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Harlingen
Based on $19.67/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $19.67/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Harlingen, TX can expect to earn approximately $40,904 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $23,598. With a cost-of-living index of 96.00 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Harlingen.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Harlingen
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $786.61 | $3,409 | $40,904 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $471.96 | $2,045 | $24,542 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $314.64 | $1,363 | $16,361 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Harlingen) | $19.67 |
| 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 Harlingen, TX earn a median of $40,900 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.18% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 3.20% above the Texas state average of $39,632.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $19.67/hr = $24,542/year (purchasing power: $25,565).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $40,904/year (purchasing power: $42,608).
CoL index: 96 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$13.90/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$18.64/hr
2026 Current Est.
$19.67/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Harlingen (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $13.90/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $14.27/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $14.50/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $15.04/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $17.21/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $17.67/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $18.64/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $19.67/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $20.75/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Harlingen grew 34.1% from $13.90/hr (2019) to $18.64/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $20.75/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 Harlingen 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 Harlingen
When focusing on the realities of part-time work, a veterinary technologist and technician in Harlingen clocking 24 hours a week would earn significantly less annually than their full-time counterparts. For those considering per-diem roles, it’s worth mentioning that these positions often command rates between $25 and $40 per hour, with specialized roles like those requiring VTS credentials fetching $35 to $55 hourly. Additionally, emergency and critical care coverage during late shifts may see pay rates rise to $30 or more due to market shortages. Variability in pay also exists depending on the employer type—where corporate chains might offer steadier employment with benefits for lower hourly rates, specialty hospitals may allow for higher per-hour wages but without consistent hours. As you venture into negotiations, it’s wise to highlight both your experience and the value of benefits to assess the best overall compensation package that fits your lifestyle in Harlingen.
More salary data for Harlingen, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Harlingen in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Harlingen?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Harlingen paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Harlingen?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Harlingen?
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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 Harlingen. 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 Harlingen 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