Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Mission, TX: $18.15 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Mission, TX runs $18.15 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $37,744 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Mission's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $18.90 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $22,646 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Mission, TX, veterinary technologists and technicians earn a median hourly pay of $18.15, which is significantly lower than the national hourly median of $24.03. This difference reflects the cost of living and market demand for these professionals in the region, which may impact part-time and per-diem workers seeking flexible schedules in various settings, including general practice clinics, specialty hospitals, and research facilities. For those working three days a week, the hourly income can provide a stable income, translating to an estimated weekly take-home of about $546, allowing for a functional balance between work and other commitments. The hourly pay range for this profession spans from $13.27 at entry-level positions to as much as $24.96 for top earners, indicating the potential for wage growth as one gains experience or pursues specialty certifications.
About the Mission 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) | $13.27 | $106.18 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $14.46 | $115.71 |
| Median (P50) | $18.15 | $145.17 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $21.59 | $172.68 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $24.96 | $199.69 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Mission
Based on $18.15/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $18.15/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Mission, TX can expect to earn approximately $37,744 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $21,775. With a cost-of-living index of 96.00 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Mission.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Mission
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $725.84 | $3,145 | $37,744 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $435.50 | $1,887 | $22,646 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $290.34 | $1,258 | $15,097 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Mission) | $18.15 |
| 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 Mission, TX earn a median of $37,744 per year (2026 est.), which is 24.49% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 4.80% below the Texas state average of $39,647.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $18.15/hr = $22,646/year (purchasing power: $23,590).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $37,744/year (purchasing power: $39,316).
CoL index: 96 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$12.82/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$17.20/hr
2026 Current Est.
$18.15/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Mission (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $12.82/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $13.16/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $13.38/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $13.88/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $15.88/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $17.52/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $17.20/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $18.15/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $19.14/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Mission grew 34.1% from $12.82/hr (2019) to $17.20/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $19.14/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 Mission 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 Mission
Part-time veterinary technologists and technicians should consider their annual earnings if they work a typical 24-hour week. Compared to full-time counterparts, this translates to approximately $37,744 annually, substantially less than what many full-time positions accumulate. Conversely, per-diem roles can be financially advantageous; professionals in these positions often bill $25-$40/hr, while those in specialty areas or covering weekend shifts in emergency rooms can earn $30-$50/hr due to high demand. Varying employer types affect hourly rates; for instance, corporate hospital groups may offer more predictable pay but fewer benefits than private practices, creating a trade-off between salary and healthcare coverage. Effective negotiation strategies are crucial for workers in Mission, especially in an evolving market, where enhancing credentials—like pursuing VTS certification—can significantly elevate their hourly rate.
More salary data for Mission, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Mission paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Mission?
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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 Mission. 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 Mission 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