Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Los Alamos, NM: $43,491 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Los Alamos, NM earns a median $43,491/year (≈ $20.91/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Los Alamos's price level (6% below national, BEA RPP 94.4), that paycheck buys what $46,071 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.8% below the New Mexico state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, veterinary technologists and technicians in Los Alamos, NM, can expect a median annual salary of $43,491, which is notably lower than the national median of $49,986. Locally, salaries span from $35,259 at the 10th percentile to $55,506 at the 90th percentile, indicating a range that reflects varying experience levels and employment types. These figures are derived from state-level data and adjusted for regional cost considerations. The job market in Los Alamos is shaped by the employment climate, including preferences for specialty practices over general practices, which typically offer higher pay due to more complex caseloads and specialized skills.
About the Los Alamos Market
Salary estimated from New Mexico average ($34,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,259 | $16.95 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $36,923 | $17.76 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $43,491 | $20.91 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $52,105 | $25.05 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $55,506 | $26.68 |
Median Salary Position
12.99% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Los Alamos
In Los Alamos, NM, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $20,247 (2026 est.). At $43,491, the local median is 12.99% below the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Los Alamos: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Los Alamos Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Los Alamos median: $43,491/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Los Alamos Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Mexico Average | $47,171 | -7.80% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | -12.99% less |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Los Alamos, NM earn a median of $43,491 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.99% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 7.80% below the New Mexico state average of $47,171.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Los Alamos 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.
Los Alamos, NM has a cost-of-living index of 94.4 (below the national average of 100). A veterinary technologist and technician earning $43,491 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $46,071 in an average-cost city — an effective 5.93% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$30,731
2025 BLS Actual
$41,224
2026 Current Est.
$43,491
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Los Alamos (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30,731 | Actual |
| 2020 | $31,549 | Actual |
| 2021 | $32,062 | Actual |
| 2022 | $33,272 | Actual |
| 2023 | $38,057 | Actual |
| 2024 | $29,583 | Actual |
| 2025 | $41,224 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $43,491 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $45,883 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Los Alamos metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $30,731 (2019) to $41,224 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $45,883 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,152 (49.31%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Los Alamos 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) | $35,259 – $36,923 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $36,923 – $43,491 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $43,491 – $52,105 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $52,105 – $55,506 |
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 Los Alamos
As of now, there are six veterinary technologists and technicians employed in the Los Alamos area, but the local cost of living index, sitting at 94.4, suggests a slightly favorable economic environment for professionals. This means that local salaries may stretch further compared to higher-cost areas, even if figures seem lower. Corporate chain hospitals and specialty referral centers are among the highest-paying employers, often indicating a significant pay gradient between general practices and specialized roles. Factors influencing this spread include completion of the VTS specialty credential, which leads to top-tier pay possibilities of $30-$45/hour in certain specialties. To maximize earnings, aspiring professionals should seek out available mentorship roles, explore specialty training opportunities, and be prepared to negotiate salaries based on their qualifications and the specifics of employer pay scales.
More salary data for Los Alamos, NM:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do veterinary technologists and technicians make in Los Alamos, NM in 2026?
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Can veterinary technologists and technicians make $100K in Los Alamos?
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How much does a veterinary technologist and technician make per hour in Los Alamos?
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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 $41,224 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Los Alamos 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 Los Alamos 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