Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in McAllen, TX: $17.99 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in McAllen, TX runs $17.99 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $37,410 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against McAllen's regional price level (BEA RPP 85.9, 14% below national), each hour of work buys what $20.94 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $22,449 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In McAllen, Texas, the veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay stands at a median of $17.99. This figure is considerably lower than the national hourly median of $24.03, highlighting a significant wage disparity. For individuals working part-time, typically about three days a week, this hourly rate translates to an annual income of approximately $37,000, which can be limiting depending on one's financial commitments. Per-diem roles often provide a more lucrative option, potentially allowing skilled veterinary technologists and technicians to earn between $14.50 and $23.70 an hour depending on experience and employer type. With hourly earnings ranging from entry-level positions to those achieved by highly experienced personnel, the profession offers varied pay structures in environments such as general practice clinics, specialty hospitals, and research institutions, as outlined by 2026 estimates based on 2025 BLS data.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $14.50 | $115.97 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $14.64 | $117.15 |
| Median (P50) | $17.99 | $143.90 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $19.05 | $152.43 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $23.70 | $189.56 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in McAllen
Based on $17.99/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $17.99/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in McAllen, TX can expect to earn approximately $37,415 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $21,585. With a cost-of-living index of 85.89 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in McAllen.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in McAllen
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $719.51 | $3,118 | $37,415 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $431.71 | $1,871 | $22,449 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $287.80 | $1,247 | $14,966 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (McAllen) | $17.99 |
| 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 McAllen, TX earn a median of $37,410 per year (2026 est.), which is 25.16% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 5.60% below the Texas state average of $39,630.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $17.99/hr = $22,449/year (purchasing power: $26,135).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $37,415/year (purchasing power: $43,558).
CoL index: 85.895 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$14.43/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$17.05/hr
2026 Current Est.
$17.99/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+31.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in McAllen (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $14.43/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $14.43/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $13.57/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $13.58/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $14.44/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $15.02/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $17.05/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $17.99/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $18.98/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in McAllen grew 18.2% from $14.43/hr (2019) to $17.05/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $18.98/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 McAllen 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 McAllen
When examining the earning dynamics for part-time veterinary technologists and technicians in McAllen, it’s crucial to consider the potential take-home pay for a 24-hour workweek compared to full-time counterparts. While a full-time employee might find job security and benefits enticing, part-timers can still achieve reasonable income levels. In contrast, those seeking flexibility through per-diem or agency work often see compensation far exceeding the median. For instance, per diem veterinary technologists typically charge between $25 and $40 per hour, with VTS-credentialed technicians capable of commanding rates of $35 to $55 an hour. Employers in this sector can vary widely; corporate chains like VCA and BluePearl might offer different compensation structures than specialized referral hospitals or academic institutions. While some veterinary technicians may choose a lower hourly wage for benefits such as health insurance, others may negotiate higher rates by emphasizing their specialized skills and credentials. Understanding local pay trends and employer expectations in McAllen can help navigate employment offers effectively within the veterinary field.
More salary data for McAllen, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in McAllen in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in McAllen?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in McAllen paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in McAllen?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in McAllen?
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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 McAllen. 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