Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Richardson, TX: $19.30 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Richardson, TX runs $19.30 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $40,132 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Richardson's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $20.10 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $24,081 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Richardson, Texas, the veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay is projected to be $19.30 in 2026, which is notably lower than the national median of $24.03 per hour. For those considering part-time or per-diem work in environments such as general practice treatment areas, specialty hospitals, or even research facilities, this means a range of earnings that can vary significantly. Entry-level positions may start around $13.64 per hour, while top earners, particularly those with advanced credentials or specialized experience, can earn as much as $25.56 per hour. The diversity in workplaces allows for flexibility, yet the relative lower hourly rate in Richardson compared to the national figure highlights the influence of local market conditions on compensation.
About the Richardson 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) | $13.64 | $109.13 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $16.23 | $129.81 |
| Median (P50) | $19.30 | $154.37 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $23.45 | $187.62 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $25.56 | $204.50 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Richardson
Based on $19.30/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $19.30/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Richardson, TX can expect to earn approximately $40,136 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $23,155. With a cost-of-living index of 96.00 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Richardson.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Richardson
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $771.84 | $3,345 | $40,136 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $463.10 | $2,007 | $24,081 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $308.74 | $1,338 | $16,054 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Richardson) | $19.30 |
| 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 Richardson, TX earn a median of $40,132 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.71% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 1.20% above the Texas state average of $39,656.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $19.30/hr = $24,081/year (purchasing power: $25,085).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $40,136/year (purchasing power: $41,808).
CoL index: 96 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$13.63/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$18.29/hr
2026 Current Est.
$19.30/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Richardson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $13.63/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $14.00/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $14.23/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $14.76/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $16.88/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $17.76/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $18.29/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $19.30/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $20.36/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Richardson grew 34.1% from $13.63/hr (2019) to $18.29/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $20.36/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 Richardson 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 Richardson
When evaluating earning potential, part-time veterinary technologists or technicians working three days a week can expect to take home significantly less annually than their full-time counterparts, given the reliance on a lower hourly wage. Per-diem veterinary technologists and technicians may find themselves in a lucrative niche, often billing rates between $25 and $40 per hour, depending on the urgency and nature of the work. Rates can escalate for specialty techs or those filling in on weekends or overnight shifts, frequently reaching between $30 and $50 per hour in high-demand situations. Additionally, the employer type greatly impacts pay scales; corporate chain hospitals like VCA and BluePearl might offer more competitive salaries compared to smaller practices. While navigating these job opportunities, some may opt for lower pay in exchange for benefits such as health insurance, making balance essential. When negotiating offers, showcasing specialized skills and securing proper credentials can significantly enhance one's bargaining position in the Richardson job market.
More salary data for Richardson, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Richardson in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Richardson?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Richardson paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Richardson?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Richardson?
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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 Richardson. 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 Richardson 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