Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Mesquite, TX: $18.95 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Mesquite, TX runs $18.95 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $39,402 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Mesquite's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $19.74 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $23,647 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Veterinary technologists and technicians in Mesquite, TX, can expect a median hourly rate of $18.95 in 2026. This rate is notably lower than the national median of $24.03, reflecting regional economic conditions and the relatively lower cost of living in this area, which stands at a cost of living index of 96. For part-time workers, particularly those in general practice treatment areas and specialty hospitals, this hourly pay translates into an annual income that may be less predictable, largely dependent on how many shifts they take on each week. Typically, per-diem workers in various settings, including university teaching hospitals and wildlife rehabilitation facilities, can find themselves earning anywhere from $14.34 to $25.67 per hour, depending on their experience and the demands of the job. The hourly rate in Mesquite ranges widely from entry-level positions to those earning top-tier salaries, illustrating significant potential for growth as one gains experience and credentials.
About the Mesquite 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) | $14.34 | $114.70 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $15.52 | $124.15 |
| Median (P50) | $18.95 | $151.58 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $23.30 | $186.44 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $25.67 | $205.35 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Mesquite
Based on $18.95/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $18.95/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Mesquite, TX can expect to earn approximately $39,411 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $22,737. With a cost-of-living index of 96.00 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Mesquite.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Mesquite
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $757.91 | $3,284 | $39,411 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $454.75 | $1,971 | $23,647 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $303.16 | $1,314 | $15,765 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Mesquite) | $18.95 |
| 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 Mesquite, TX earn a median of $39,402 per year (2026 est.), which is 21.17% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 0.60% below the Texas state average of $39,640.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $18.95/hr = $23,647/year (purchasing power: $24,632).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $39,411/year (purchasing power: $41,054).
CoL index: 96 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$13.39/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$17.96/hr
2026 Current Est.
$18.95/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Mesquite (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $13.39/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $13.74/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $13.97/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $14.50/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $16.58/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $17.43/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $17.96/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $18.95/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $19.99/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Mesquite grew 34.1% from $13.39/hr (2019) to $17.96/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $19.99/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 Mesquite 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 Mesquite
Considering part-time opportunities, a veterinary technologist and technician working three days a week would realistically take home a salary that reflects only a portion of a full-time income, usually translating to an annual figure adjusted to their reduced hours. Per-diem workers frequently command fees between $25-$40 per hour, with specialized VTS-qualified technicians earning even more, between $35 and $55 per hour. In shortage markets, weekend and overnight shifts can command premium rates, often between $30-$50. Employers in Mesquite, including corporate chain hospitals and specialized referral centers, may offer varying hourly pay based on the position's complexity and required expertise. While some may opt for slightly lower hourly wages in exchange for additional benefits like health insurance, it's crucial for hourly workers to negotiate wisely. Strategies such as highlighting specialized skills or prior experience can lead to more favorable compensation within Mesquite's competitive job market for veterinary technologists and technicians.
More salary data for Mesquite, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Mesquite in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Mesquite?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Mesquite paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Mesquite?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Mesquite?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Texas
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 Mesquite. 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 Mesquite 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