Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in San Marcos, TX: $23.41 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in San Marcos, TX runs $23.41 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $48,690 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against San Marcos's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $24.39 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,216 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, veterinary technologists and technicians in San Marcos, TX, can expect a median hourly pay of $23.41, slightly below the national median of $24.03. This hourly rate reflects the local economic climate and can influence the earning potential for professionals working in various settings, including general practice clinics, specialty hospitals, and teaching facilities. For those seeking part-time opportunities, such as working three days a week, this hourly wage could translate to an annual income of around $29,000, which is significant for those balancing work with other commitments. Entry-level positions may start at around $17.57 per hour, while seasoned professionals or those in high-demand specialties can earn up to $30.59 per hour, illuminating the diverse financial landscape of veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay in San Marcos.
About the San Marcos 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) | $17.57 | $140.53 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.06 | $152.51 |
| Median (P50) | $23.41 | $187.28 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $28.21 | $225.69 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $30.59 | $244.76 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in San Marcos
Based on $23.41/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.41/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in San Marcos, TX can expect to earn approximately $48,694 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,093. With a cost-of-living index of 96.00 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in San Marcos.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in San Marcos
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $936.42 | $4,058 | $48,694 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $561.85 | $2,435 | $29,216 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $374.57 | $1,623 | $19,477 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (San Marcos) | $23.41 |
| 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 San Marcos, TX earn a median of $48,690 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.59% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 22.80% above the Texas state average of $39,650.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.41/hr = $29,216/year (purchasing power: $30,434).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $48,694/year (purchasing power: $50,723).
CoL index: 96 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$16.54/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.19/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.41/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in San Marcos (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $16.54/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $16.98/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.26/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $17.91/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.49/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $17.77/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.19/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.41/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.70/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in San Marcos grew 34.1% from $16.54/hr (2019) to $22.19/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.70/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 San Marcos 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 San Marcos
The part-time financial reality for veterinary technologists and technicians reveals a nuanced earning potential. In San Marcos, working a 24-hour week translates to a comfortable yet modest annual take-home compared to full-time roles. Those opting for per diem work frequently see rates between $25 and $40 per hour, with specialized technicians in fields like emergency care or surgery commanding even higher rates that can reach $55 per hour. Various employer types create a pay spectrum; general practice roles generally offer lower rates, while corporate chains and specialty hospitals often provide better compensation. Some professionals choose positions with lower hourly pay due to the benefits package, which can provide valuable health insurance and retirement options. Negotiating compensation in this field can hinge on personal priorities—whether one values higher hourly rates with fewer benefits, or a more balanced pay structure that includes critical support. Understanding the financial tapestry of veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay in San Marcos equips professionals to make informed career choices.
More salary data for San Marcos, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in San Marcos in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in San Marcos?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in San Marcos paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in San Marcos?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in San Marcos?
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 San Marcos. 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 San Marcos 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