Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Sugar Land, TX: $19.00 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Sugar Land, TX runs $19.00 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $39,527 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Sugar Land's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $19.79 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $23,713 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Sugar Land, Texas, the veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay is projected to reach a median of $19.00 in 2026, notably lower than the national median of $24.03. This hourly rate reflects the financial reality for those working in various settings, including general practice clinics, specialty hospitals, and even animal care facilities within zoos or aquariums. For part-time veterinary technologists working three days a week, typically around 24 hours, the annual earnings may slightly exceed $30,000. Given the hourly range from entry-level positions earning approximately $14.47 to top earners making around $25.87, there is significant variability in pay, particularly as professionals gain experience and possibly pursue specialty credentials through organizations like NAVTA or AVMA CVTEA.
About the Sugar Land 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) | $14.47 | $115.80 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $15.64 | $125.08 |
| Median (P50) | $19.00 | $152.00 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $23.45 | $187.62 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $25.87 | $206.95 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Sugar Land
Based on $19.00/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $19.00/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Sugar Land, TX can expect to earn approximately $39,521 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $22,801. With a cost-of-living index of 96.00 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Sugar Land.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Sugar Land
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $760.02 | $3,293 | $39,521 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $456.01 | $1,976 | $23,713 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $304.01 | $1,317 | $15,808 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Sugar Land) | $19.00 |
| 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 Sugar Land, TX earn a median of $39,527 per year (2026 est.), which is 20.92% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 0.30% below the Texas state average of $39,646.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $19.00/hr = $23,713/year (purchasing power: $24,701).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $39,521/year (purchasing power: $41,168).
CoL index: 96 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$13.43/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$18.01/hr
2026 Current Est.
$19.00/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Sugar Land (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $13.43/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $13.78/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $14.01/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $14.54/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $16.63/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $17.49/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $18.01/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $19.00/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $20.05/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Sugar Land grew 34.1% from $13.43/hr (2019) to $18.01/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $20.05/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 Sugar Land 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 Sugar Land
Part-time veterinary technologists and technicians in Sugar Land can maximize their earnings potential through per-diem or contractual work. Many professionals detailed to 24-hour shifts can take home a considerable income, given agencies and certain job settings offer rates ranging from $25 to $40 per hour for per-diem roles. In high-demand areas or during weekends, overnight emergency coverage often commands rates of $30-$50, providing motivation for professionals to accept varied assignments. Hourly pay scales can differ significantly across types of employers; while general clinics tend to offer lower wages, specialty practices frequently provide competitive compensation. The trade-off in choosing lower hourly rates in favor of employee benefits may appeal to those valuing stability. For those contemplating their earning potential, negotiating for more favorable hourly rates while highlighting unique skills or certifications, such as pursuing VTS, can be a strategic approach in Sugar Land's evolving job market.
More salary data for Sugar Land, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Sugar Land in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Sugar Land?
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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 Sugar Land. 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 Sugar Land 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