Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Lufkin, TX: $18.09 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Lufkin, TX runs $18.09 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $37,627 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Lufkin's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $18.85 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $22,580 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Lufkin, the veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay is projected to reach $18.09 in 2026, significantly lower than the national median of $24.03. For those in part-time roles, such as working three days a week, this hourly rate translates to approximately $18,000 in take-home earnings annually, impacting living standards in a city with a cost of living index of 96. Per-diem workers can also expect variable hourly pay, ranging from entry-level rates at around $14.23 to more seasoned technicians earning as much as $23.07. This profession typically spans a range of settings, from general practice clinics to specialized veterinary hospitals and pharmaceutical facilities, where the earning potential fluctuates according to experience and workplace demands.
About the Lufkin 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) | $14.23 | $113.86 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $15.08 | $120.61 |
| Median (P50) | $18.09 | $144.75 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $21.61 | $172.85 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $23.07 | $184.58 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lufkin
Based on $18.09/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $18.09/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lufkin, TX can expect to earn approximately $37,634 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $21,712. With a cost-of-living index of 96.00 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Lufkin.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lufkin
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $723.73 | $3,136 | $37,634 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $434.24 | $1,882 | $22,580 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $289.49 | $1,254 | $15,054 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Lufkin) | $18.09 |
| 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 Lufkin, TX earn a median of $37,627 per year (2026 est.), which is 24.72% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 5.10% below the Texas state average of $39,649.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $18.09/hr = $22,580/year (purchasing power: $23,521).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $37,634/year (purchasing power: $39,202).
CoL index: 96 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$12.78/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$17.15/hr
2026 Current Est.
$18.09/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Lufkin (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $12.78/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $13.12/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $13.34/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $13.84/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $15.83/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $16.65/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $17.15/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $18.09/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $19.09/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Lufkin grew 34.1% from $12.78/hr (2019) to $17.15/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $19.09/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 Lufkin 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 Lufkin
Considering the dynamics of the profession in Lufkin, part-time veterinary technologists and technicians may find themselves earning less compared to their full-time counterparts, which can be a crucial factor in job selection. Per diem roles present an appealing alternative for those seeking flexibility; these workers can charge rates between $25 to $40 hourly, with specialty positions paying even more for credentialed technicians. Differences in pay also arise based on workplace type; for instance, corporate hospitals may offer substantial benefits, compelling some to accept lower hourly rates compared to private practices that might provide higher wages without benefits. Practical negotiation is key for hourly workers; being informed about regional pay scales and the demand for veterinary services can empower workers to secure fair compensation. As Lufkin faces a vet tech labor shortage, understanding these pay structures and leveraging expertise, particularly in specialties, can significantly enhance earning potential in this vital field.
More salary data for Lufkin, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Lufkin in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Lufkin?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Lufkin paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Lufkin?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Lufkin?
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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 Lufkin. 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 Lufkin 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