Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Gallup, NM: $43,871 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Gallup, NM earns a median $43,871/year (≈ $21.09/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Gallup's price level (6% below national, BEA RPP 94.4), that paycheck buys what $46,474 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.0% below the New Mexico state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, a veterinary technologist and technician salary in Gallup, NM, is projected to reach a median of $43,871, which is noticeably lower than the national median of $49,986. Local salaries range from $36,398 at the 10th percentile to $55,192 at the 90th percentile. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS OEWS data and adjusted for local cost differences, reflect the dual employment opportunities available in the region. While general practice clinics typically offer salaries on the lower end of the spectrum, specialty referral hospitals tend to provide higher pay due to their demands for advanced skills and the nature of the services they provide. This salary structure underscores the necessity for veterinary technicians in Gallup to consider their employment choices carefully to optimize their earning potential.
About the Gallup Market
Salary estimated from New Mexico average ($34,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,398 | $17.50 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $37,710 | $18.12 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $43,871 | $21.09 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $52,998 | $25.48 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $55,192 | $26.53 |
Median Salary Position
12.23% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Gallup
In Gallup, NM, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $18,794 (2026 est.). At $43,871, the local median is 12.23% below the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Gallup: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Gallup Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Gallup median: $43,871/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Gallup Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Mexico Average | $47,173 | -7.00% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | -12.23% less |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Gallup, NM earn a median of $43,871 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.23% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 7.00% below the New Mexico state average of $47,173.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Gallup has a cost of living 5.60% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Gallup, NM has a cost-of-living index of 94.4 (below the national average of 100). A veterinary technologist and technician earning $43,871 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $46,474 in an average-cost city — an effective 5.93% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$30,999
2025 BLS Actual
$41,584
2026 Current Est.
$43,871
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Gallup (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30,999 | Actual |
| 2020 | $31,824 | Actual |
| 2021 | $32,342 | Actual |
| 2022 | $33,562 | Actual |
| 2023 | $38,389 | Actual |
| 2024 | $29,841 | Actual |
| 2025 | $41,584 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $43,871 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $46,284 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Gallup metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $30,999 (2019) to $41,584 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $46,284 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,285 (49.31%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Gallup 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $36,398 – $37,710 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $37,710 – $43,871 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $43,871 – $52,998 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $52,998 – $55,192 |
Vet Tech salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual veterinary technologist and technician compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Job Market in Gallup
The local job market for veterinary technologists and technicians in Gallup consists of a limited pool of four employed professionals, indicating a niche field with specific demands. Additionally, the cost of living index is measured at 94.4, suggesting that salaries will go farther in terms of daily expenses, albeit still below the national average. Among potential employers, specialty hospitals focusing on emergency care or advanced treatment protocols may offer the highest compensation compared to general practices or corporate chain hospitals. Factors that contribute to the variance in salaries include the pursuit of VTS specialty credentials, which can elevate earning potential significantly, and the differing pay scales of corporate chains like VCA and BluePearl, which often have structured tier systems. For individuals looking to maximize their pay in Gallup, obtaining specialty certifications and exploring employment with high-demand facilities could be pivotal strategies.
More salary data for Gallup, NM:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $41,584 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Gallup metropolitan area. A 5.50% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Gallup 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