Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Lancaster, TX: $18.47 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Lancaster, TX runs $18.47 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $38,433 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Lancaster's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $19.24 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $23,054 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Lancaster, Texas, the projected hourly pay for veterinary technologists and technicians stands at $18.47, which is significantly lower than the national median hourly wage of $24.03. This rate indicates a modest earning potential for those working part-time or as per-diem employees within various settings such as general practice clinics, specialty hospitals, and university veterinary practices. Entry-level positions start at approximately $13.65, while the highest earners can reach around $24.36 an hour. These figures, derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS data projected to 2026, highlight the income landscape that veterinary technologists and technicians can expect in Lancaster, TX.
About the Lancaster 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) | $13.65 | $109.21 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $15.87 | $126.94 |
| Median (P50) | $18.47 | $147.78 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $22.50 | $180.03 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $24.36 | $194.88 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lancaster
Based on $18.47/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $18.47/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lancaster, TX can expect to earn approximately $38,424 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $22,168. With a cost-of-living index of 96.00 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Lancaster.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lancaster
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $738.92 | $3,202 | $38,424 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $443.35 | $1,921 | $23,054 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $295.57 | $1,281 | $15,370 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Lancaster) | $18.47 |
| 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 Lancaster, TX earn a median of $38,433 per year (2026 est.), which is 23.11% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 3.00% below the Texas state average of $39,621.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $18.47/hr = $23,054/year (purchasing power: $24,015).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $38,424/year (purchasing power: $40,025).
CoL index: 96 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$13.05/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$17.51/hr
2026 Current Est.
$18.47/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Lancaster (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $13.05/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $13.40/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $13.62/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $14.13/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $16.16/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $17.00/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $17.51/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $18.47/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $19.49/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Lancaster grew 34.1% from $13.05/hr (2019) to $17.51/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $19.49/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 Lancaster 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 Lancaster
For those pursuing part-time opportunities, working three days a week typically means bringing home a more limited annual income compared to full-time employees. However, it allows for flexibility in personal schedules. Per-diem veterinary technologists and technicians can expect a different earning reality; they often bill between $25 and $40 per hour, with those holding specialty credentials potentially earning $35 to $55 per hour in more demanding roles such as emergency care. Notably, demand in Lancaster may push weekend or overnight shifts to offer $30 to $50 per hour in shortage markets. Variations in pay often depend on the type of employer, with corporate hospitals and specialty clinics typically providing higher rates compared to general practices. Many professionals must weigh the benefits of lower hourly wages with comprehensive health insurance against the allure of higher pay in more flexible arrangements. For those seeking to negotiate in the Lancaster market, presenting specialized skills, such as VTS credentials, can serve as compelling leverage when discussing pay.
More salary data for Lancaster, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Lancaster in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Lancaster?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Lancaster paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Lancaster?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Lancaster?
Related Pages
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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 Lancaster. 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 Lancaster 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