Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Weslaco, TX: $18.53 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Weslaco, TX runs $18.53 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $38,543 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Weslaco's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $19.30 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $23,120 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Weslaco, Texas, the projected hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians stands at $18.53 in 2026. This figure falls significantly below the national median hourly rate of $24.03, reflecting the localized economic conditions and demand for these vital roles in veterinary care. For professionals working in part-time or per-diem capacities, often employed in diverse environments such as general practice treatment facilities, specialty hospitals, or even zoos, this rate translates to practical take-home income. Those just starting out can expect to earn approximately $13.78 per hour, while seasoned specialists might command up to $24.49 per hour in top-tier positions within their fields. This broad spectrum illustrates the range of experience and responsibility that contributes to compensation in the veterinary sector.
About the Weslaco 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) | $13.78 | $110.23 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $15.98 | $127.87 |
| Median (P50) | $18.53 | $148.21 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $22.66 | $181.29 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $24.49 | $195.89 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Weslaco
Based on $18.53/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $18.53/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Weslaco, TX can expect to earn approximately $38,534 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $22,231. With a cost-of-living index of 96.00 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Weslaco.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Weslaco
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $741.03 | $3,211 | $38,534 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $444.62 | $1,927 | $23,120 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $296.41 | $1,284 | $15,413 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Weslaco) | $18.53 |
| 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 Weslaco, TX earn a median of $38,543 per year (2026 est.), which is 22.89% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 2.80% below the Texas state average of $39,654.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $18.53/hr = $23,120/year (purchasing power: $24,084).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $38,534/year (purchasing power: $40,139).
CoL index: 96 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$13.09/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$17.56/hr
2026 Current Est.
$18.53/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Weslaco (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $13.09/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $13.44/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $13.66/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $14.17/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $16.21/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $17.05/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $17.56/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $18.53/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $19.54/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Weslaco grew 34.1% from $13.09/hr (2019) to $17.56/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $19.54/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 Weslaco 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 Weslaco
Exploring the earning potential for part-time veterinary technologists and technicians reveals that those working a typical 24-hour week can expect to take home around $22,769 annually, which is less than their full-time counterparts. Furthermore, per-diem and agency roles often command higher hourly rates, with workers billing up to $40/hour for regular shifts. In shortage markets, particularly in emergency and critical care settings, weekend and overnight shifts can yield even greater financial returns, sometimes reaching $50/hour. Rates can vary significantly based on the type of employer; general practice clinics may offer lower wages compared to corporate chains or specialized hospitals. Some professionals opt for lower hourly pay with benefits, like health insurance, while others prioritize higher compensation and accept the trade-off. When negotiating hourly wages in Weslaco, it's advisable to highlight any specialized credentials, such as VTS, and to be clear about the expectations for your role, which can strengthen your position in discussions regarding compensation.
More salary data for Weslaco, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Weslaco in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Weslaco?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Weslaco paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Weslaco?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Weslaco?
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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 Weslaco. 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 Weslaco 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