Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Socorro, TX: $18.17 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Socorro, TX runs $18.17 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $37,795 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Socorro's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $18.92 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $22,673 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Socorro, TX, the veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay stands at a median of $18.17. This figure falls significantly below the national hourly median of $24.03, illustrating the unique economic conditions faced by professionals in this region. For part-time workers, such as those employed three days a week, the potential for earning is capped at around $874 a week before taxes, which provides a viable income option for individuals balancing other commitments or studies. The hourly rate spans from approximately $14.40 for entry-level positions to about $23.97 for highly experienced technicians, offering a pathway for individuals to grow in their careers across various settings, including general practices, specialty hospitals, and research facilities. While these figures are derived from annual salary estimates, they effectively represent the earning potential for veterinary professionals in Socorro.
About the Socorro 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) | $14.40 | $115.21 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $15.23 | $121.87 |
| Median (P50) | $18.17 | $145.34 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $22.18 | $177.41 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $23.97 | $191.76 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Socorro
Based on $18.17/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $18.17/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Socorro, TX can expect to earn approximately $37,788 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $21,801. With a cost-of-living index of 96.00 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Socorro.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Socorro
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $726.68 | $3,149 | $37,788 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $436.01 | $1,889 | $22,673 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $290.67 | $1,260 | $15,115 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Socorro) | $18.17 |
| 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 Socorro, TX earn a median of $37,795 per year (2026 est.), which is 24.39% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 4.70% below the Texas state average of $39,659.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $18.17/hr = $22,673/year (purchasing power: $23,617).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $37,788/year (purchasing power: $39,362).
CoL index: 96 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$12.84/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$17.22/hr
2026 Current Est.
$18.17/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Socorro (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $12.84/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $13.18/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $13.39/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $13.90/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $15.90/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $16.72/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $17.22/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $18.17/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $19.17/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Socorro grew 34.1% from $12.84/hr (2019) to $17.22/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $19.17/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 Socorro 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 Socorro
Considering the financial landscape for veterinary technicians, part-time employees can face a stark contrast in earnings compared to their full-time counterparts. A veterinary technologist working three days a week might take home around $22,746 annually, a figure pretty modest in comparison to the full-time income potential. Per diem arrangements are particularly appealing in Socorro, where veterinary technicians can earn between $25 and $40 per hour, dependent on demand and expertise level, especially in understaffed emergency hospitals that often pay $30 to $50 for urgent weekend or night shifts. Different types of employers also influence hourly rates significantly—general practice clinics tend to offer lower pay than corporate chain hospitals or specialty referral centers, where technicians specializing in areas like emergency care may command higher compensation. Many professionals must weigh the trade-off between higher hourly rates with no benefits against lower pay that includes health insurance, highlighting the dynamics of employment choices. Negotiation skills are crucial in this context; veterinary technologists should be prepared to advocate for fair compensation based on their qualifications and the market demand in Socorro, TX.
More salary data for Socorro, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Socorro in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Socorro?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Socorro paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Socorro?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Socorro?
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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 Socorro. 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 Socorro 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