Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Laredo, TX: $18.23 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Laredo, TX runs $18.23 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $37,917 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Laredo's regional price level (BEA RPP 87.0, 13% below national), each hour of work buys what $20.97 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $22,752 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
Veterinary technologists and technicians in Laredo, TX earn a median hourly rate of $18.23, which is approximately 24.14% lower than the national median of $24.03. This pay structure can significantly influence those pursuing part-time positions or per-diem work, especially in environments such as general practice treatment areas, emergency and critical care wards, university clinics, and specialized animal facilities. For a typical part-time schedule of three days a week, veterinary technologists and technicians can expect varying earnings based on experience and specific settings, with entry-level technicians starting at $14.33 per hour and well-experienced professionals potentially earning up to $35.94 per hour. These estimates reflect official data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, ensuring that those exploring employment opportunities have a clear understanding of the potential financial landscape in their local market.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $14.33 | $114.62 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $14.34 | $114.70 |
| Median (P50) | $18.23 | $145.84 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $23.44 | $187.54 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $35.94 | $287.55 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Laredo
Based on $18.23/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $18.23/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Laredo, TX can expect to earn approximately $37,919 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $21,876. With a cost-of-living index of 86.96 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Laredo.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Laredo
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $729.22 | $3,160 | $37,919 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $437.53 | $1,896 | $22,752 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $291.69 | $1,264 | $15,168 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Laredo) | $18.23 |
| 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 Laredo, TX earn a median of $37,917 per year (2026 est.), which is 24.14% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 4.40% below the Texas state average of $39,662.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $18.23/hr = $22,752/year (purchasing power: $26,164).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $37,919/year (purchasing power: $43,607).
CoL index: 86.956 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$12.88/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$17.28/hr
2026 Current Est.
$18.23/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Laredo (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $12.88/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $13.22/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.35/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $12.99/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $13.81/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $14.36/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $17.28/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $18.23/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $19.23/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Laredo grew 34.1% from $12.88/hr (2019) to $17.28/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $19.23/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 Laredo 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 Laredo
Opportunity exists beyond the standard hourly pay for veterinary technologists and technicians in Laredo, particularly for individuals seeking part-time roles. A part-time employee working 24 hours a week could bring home an annual income of around $22,674, which is significantly less than a full-time technician’s potential earnings. Per-diem positions also present appealing alternatives; many veterinarians and specialty practices offer pay rates ranging from $25 to $40 per hour, with Veterinary Technician Specialists (VTS) commanding rates between $35 and $55 per hour. Additionally, market demand for overnight or weekend emergency coverage often sees rates climb to between $30 and $50 per hour. Different employers, such as corporate chain hospitals and specialty referral facilities, influence the hourly pay variably, with some offering benefits for a lower hourly rate while others may not provide benefits but offer higher hourly wages. For those entering the job market or negotiating offers, understanding the dynamics of pay between employer types can be beneficial, enabling prospective employees to make informed decisions tailored to their individual circumstances.
More salary data for Laredo, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Laredo in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Laredo?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Laredo paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Laredo?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Laredo?
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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 Laredo. 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, 5-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