Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Killeen, TX: $19.20 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Killeen, TX runs $19.20 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $39,932 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Killeen's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.1, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $21.07 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $23,963 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Killeen, the veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay is projected to be $19.20 in 2026, translating to roughly $39,932 annually for full-time workers. This rate is notably below the national median hourly rate of $24.03, highlighting a significant gap that local professionals may encounter. For those working part-time—such as in general practice treatment areas or specialty hospitals—the expected earnings for a three-day work week can become a crucial factor in their decision-making. The hourly range for this profession in Killeen stretches from $15.15 at the lower 10th percentile to $24.08 at the 90th percentile, providing a framework for understanding potential pay as individuals gain experience or specialized credentials. This hourly compensation structure facilitates varied opportunities for per-diem work, particularly in fast-paced environments like emergency clinics or pharmaceutical research facilities, where need-based staffing can lead to increased earning potential.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $15.15 | $121.20 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $17.81 | $142.47 |
| Median (P50) | $19.20 | $153.61 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $22.72 | $181.80 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $24.08 | $192.60 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Killeen
Based on $19.20/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $19.20/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Killeen, TX can expect to earn approximately $39,938 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $23,041. With a cost-of-living index of 91.13 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Killeen.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Killeen
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $768.04 | $3,328 | $39,938 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $460.82 | $1,997 | $23,963 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $307.22 | $1,331 | $15,975 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Killeen) | $19.20 |
| 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 Killeen, TX earn a median of $39,932 per year (2026 est.), which is 20.11% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 0.70% above the Texas state average of $39,654.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $19.20/hr = $23,963/year (purchasing power: $26,295).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $39,938/year (purchasing power: $43,824).
CoL index: 91.132 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$12.49/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$18.20/hr
2026 Current Est.
$19.20/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+62.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Killeen (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $12.49/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $12.62/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $13.71/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $14.26/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $16.43/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $17.22/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $18.20/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $19.20/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $20.26/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Killeen grew 45.7% from $12.49/hr (2019) to $18.20/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $20.26/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 Killeen 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 Killeen
Analyzing the earning potential for veterinary technologists and technicians reveals that part-time work can yield different annual figures compared to full-time positions. For a part-time employee working 24 hours per week, the annual earnings would be significantly lower than a full-timer, impacting long-term financial planning. Moreover, those exploring per-diem or agency work in Killeen may command rates between $25 and $40 per hour, with specialized VTS-credentialed technicians often earning between $35 and $55. Weekend or overnight shifts at understaffed emergency veterinary clinics may offer even higher pay in markets with acute shortages. Compensation can vary widely between types of employers—general practice clinics typically pay less than corporate chains or specialty hospitals. Many techs face the choice between lower hourly wages for consistent hours and benefits versus higher rates without job security or health insurance. In a fluctuating job market, clear negotiation regarding hourly pay rates and benefits is essential, particularly as the veterinary workforce continues to adapt amid changing economic conditions in the field.
More salary data for Killeen, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Killeen in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Killeen?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Killeen paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Killeen?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Killeen?
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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 Killeen. 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