Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Pasadena, TX: $22.08 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Pasadena, TX runs $22.08 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $45,927 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Pasadena's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $23.00 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $27,557 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Pasadena, Texas, the veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay stands at a median of $22.08, which is notably lower than the national hourly median of $24.03. This rate indicates that practitioners in this role, whether part-time or in per-diem positions, can expect a reliable income while working in various settings such as general practices, specialty hospitals, and academic clinics. For those in entry-level roles, the hourly pay starts at approximately $16.81, while experienced technicians can earn up to $29.98. These figures highlight the potential for advancement within the profession, where hourly rates are estimated from prior annual salary data and reflect the growing need for veterinary services in Pasadena.
About the Pasadena 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) | $16.81 | $134.45 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $18.17 | $145.34 |
| Median (P50) | $22.08 | $176.65 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $27.27 | $218.17 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $29.98 | $239.86 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Pasadena
Based on $22.08/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $22.08/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Pasadena, TX can expect to earn approximately $45,929 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $26,497. With a cost-of-living index of 96.00 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Pasadena.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Pasadena
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $883.25 | $3,827 | $45,929 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $529.95 | $2,296 | $27,557 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $353.30 | $1,531 | $18,372 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Pasadena) | $22.08 |
| 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 Pasadena, TX earn a median of $45,927 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.12% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 15.90% above the Texas state average of $39,627.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $22.08/hr = $27,557/year (purchasing power: $28,705).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $45,929/year (purchasing power: $47,842).
CoL index: 96 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$15.60/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$20.93/hr
2026 Current Est.
$22.08/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Pasadena (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $15.60/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $16.02/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $16.28/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $16.89/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $19.32/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $17.48/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $20.93/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $22.08/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $23.30/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Pasadena grew 34.1% from $15.60/hr (2019) to $20.93/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $23.30/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 Pasadena 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 Pasadena
Stepping into the realm of part-time opportunities, a veterinary technologist or technician working three days a week—totaling around 24 hours—could expect to earn significantly less annually than their full-time counterparts. For per-diem positions, where flexibility is crucial, hourly rates can range quite widely. Reports indicate that per-diem veterinary technologists in Pasadena typically bill between $25 and $40, while those with VTS credentials in specialty services can command $35 to $55 per hour. Positions that cover evenings and weekends may rise to $30 to $50, reflecting the ongoing staffing shortages impacting the market. The type of employer also affects pay, with corporate chains likely offering more competitive hourly wages, but at the expense of fewer benefits when contrasted with nonprofit or educational institutions. For a savvy negotiator, understanding these hourly dynamics is key; they may prioritize overall compensation packages that include benefits over slightly higher pay rates for gig work, especially given the rising importance of financial security in today’s veterinary workforce.
More salary data for Pasadena, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Pasadena in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Pasadena?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Pasadena paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Pasadena?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Pasadena?
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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 Pasadena. 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 Pasadena 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