Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Plano, TX: $19.91 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Plano, TX runs $19.91 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $41,411 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Plano's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $20.74 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $24,845 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Plano, Texas, the projected veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay is estimated at $19.91 in 2026, which falls short of the national median hourly rate of $24.03. For those working part-time, such as three days a week, this translates to a take-home income that may make it challenging to cover living expenses, especially considering the cost of living index is below the national average at 96. Hourly rates for veterinary technologists and technicians in this area can range from $14.01 for entry-level positions to $26.87 for experienced professionals. Given the varied roles they fulfill—whether in general practice treatment areas, specialty hospitals, university clinics, or pharmaceutical research facilities—these hourly rates are reflective of the demands and responsibilities encountered in different settings.
About the Plano 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) | $14.01 | $112.08 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $15.61 | $124.91 |
| Median (P50) | $19.91 | $159.26 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $24.37 | $194.96 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $26.87 | $214.97 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Plano
Based on $19.91/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $19.91/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Plano, TX can expect to earn approximately $41,408 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $23,889. With a cost-of-living index of 96.00 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Plano.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Plano
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $796.31 | $3,451 | $41,408 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $477.79 | $2,070 | $24,845 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $318.53 | $1,380 | $16,563 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Plano) | $19.91 |
| 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 Plano, TX earn a median of $41,411 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.15% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 4.50% above the Texas state average of $39,628.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $19.91/hr = $24,845/year (purchasing power: $25,880).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $41,408/year (purchasing power: $43,134).
CoL index: 96 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$14.07/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$18.87/hr
2026 Current Est.
$19.91/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Plano (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $14.07/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $14.44/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $14.68/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $15.23/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $17.42/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $18.32/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $18.87/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $19.91/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $21.00/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Plano grew 34.1% from $14.07/hr (2019) to $18.87/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $21.00/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 Plano 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 Plano
Considering the financial implications of working part-time versus full-time, a veterinary technologist and technician committing to a 24-hour week could expect significantly lower annual earnings compared to their full-time counterparts. For per-diem workers, compensation can vary widely; billing rates for per diem veterinary technologist and technician pay in Plano often range from $25 to $40 per hour, with VTS-credentialed technicians achieving between $35 and $55. Those filling weekend or overnight emergency positions may earn even more due to urgent staffing needs, potentially bringing in $30 to $50 per hour. Moreover, hourly rates fluctuate based on employer type; general practice clinics may offer lower pay compared to corporate chains or specialty referral hospitals. While some professionals may prefer a higher hourly rate without benefits, others may choose jobs that offer health insurance and stability for slightly reduced pay. Negotiating effectively is crucial; candidates in the area should focus on their unique skills and specialization, especially if pursuing advanced credentials like VTS, to maximize their earning potential.
More salary data for Plano, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Plano in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Plano?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Plano paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Plano?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Plano?
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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 Plano. 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 Plano 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