Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Waco, TX: $19.05 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Waco, TX runs $19.05 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $39,626 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Waco's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.5, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $20.59 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $23,779 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Waco, TX, the veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay is projected to reach $19.05 in 2026, which is significantly lower than the national median of $24.03 per hour. This difference suggests that individuals working in local general practice clinics, specialty hospitals, university teaching hospitals, zoos, and pharmaceutical research may need to carefully consider their employment options. For part-time workers, typically clocking in around three days a week, this rate translates to a practical income that may not meet all financial needs but still provides valuable experience and job satisfaction. The hourly wage range spans from $14.57 for entry-level positions up to $24.49 for those with advanced skills, indicating a path for growth and specialization in this field.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $14.57 | $116.56 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $15.46 | $123.65 |
| Median (P50) | $19.05 | $152.43 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $22.77 | $182.14 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $24.49 | $195.89 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Waco
Based on $19.05/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $19.05/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Waco, TX can expect to earn approximately $39,631 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $22,864. With a cost-of-living index of 92.55 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Waco.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Waco
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $762.13 | $3,303 | $39,631 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $457.28 | $1,982 | $23,779 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $304.85 | $1,321 | $15,852 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Waco) | $19.05 |
| 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 Waco, TX earn a median of $39,626 per year (2026 est.), which is 20.73% lower than the national median of $49,986.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $19.05/hr = $23,779/year (purchasing power: $25,693).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $39,631/year (purchasing power: $42,821).
CoL index: 92.55 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$15.05/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$18.06/hr
2026 Current Est.
$19.05/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+33.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Waco (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $15.05/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $14.14/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $14.35/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $16.47/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $17.35/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $17.32/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $18.06/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $19.05/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $20.10/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Waco grew 20.0% from $15.05/hr (2019) to $18.06/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $20.10/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 Waco 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 Waco
Exploring the potential earnings for part-time veterinary technologists and technicians reveals a stark contrast when compared to full-time roles. For example, a part-time worker taking on 24 hours per week could earn around $19,000 annually, significantly less than what full-time counterparts take home. In contrast, per diem positions offer attractive pay rates, commonly billed at $25 to $40 per hour, and those with veterinary technician specialty (VTS) credentials can command even higher rates ranging from $35 to $55 per hour. Specific employer types in Waco lead to variation in hourly rates; general practice clinics tend to pay less compared to corporate hospitals and specialty facilities, which may offer benefits that impact the overall compensation package. Part-time workers often face the dilemma of choosing between higher hourly pay with no benefits or lower pay with health insurance and other perks. It’s wise for technicians to negotiate their rates based on their credentials and the market demand, particularly in light of the ongoing vet tech workforce shortage.
More salary data for Waco, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Waco in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Waco?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Waco paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Waco?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Waco?
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 Waco. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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