Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Altus, OK: $42,130 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Altus, OK earns a median $42,130/year (≈ $20.26/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Altus's price level (11% below national, BEA RPP 88.9), that paycheck buys what $47,390 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.2% below the Oklahoma state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For veterinary technologists and technicians in Altus, OK, the anticipated median annual salary is $42,130 in 2026, reflecting a notable difference from the national median of $49,986. Local salaries range from a 10th percentile of $32,723 to a 90th percentile of $54,442. These figures are based on 2025 BLS data, projected to account for regional price variations. The pay gradient in this field often correlates with the type of practice; those employed at specialty hospitals typically earn more than their counterparts in general practice. This discrepancy highlights the demand for specialized skills, particularly as the veterinary field faces workforce shortages.
About the Altus Market
Salary estimated from Oklahoma average ($32,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $32,723 | $15.73 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $34,626 | $16.65 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $42,130 | $20.26 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $48,534 | $23.34 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $54,442 | $26.17 |
Median Salary Position
15.72% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Altus
In Altus, OK, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $21,719 (2026 est.). At $42,130, the local median is 15.72% below the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Altus: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Altus Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Altus median: $42,130/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Altus Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Oklahoma Average | $44,441 | -5.20% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | -15.72% less |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Altus, OK earn a median of $42,130 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.72% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 5.20% below the Oklahoma state average of $44,441.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Altus has a cost of living 11.10% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Altus, OK has a cost-of-living index of 88.9 (below the national average of 100). A veterinary technologist and technician earning $42,130 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $47,390 in an average-cost city — an effective 12.49% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$29,769
2025 BLS Actual
$39,934
2026 Current Est.
$42,130
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Altus (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29,769 | Actual |
| 2020 | $30,562 | Actual |
| 2021 | $31,059 | Actual |
| 2022 | $32,230 | Actual |
| 2023 | $36,866 | Actual |
| 2024 | $26,971 | Actual |
| 2025 | $39,934 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $42,130 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $44,448 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Altus metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $29,769 (2019) to $39,934 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $44,448 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,679 (49.31%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Altus 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) | $32,723 – $34,626 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $34,626 – $42,130 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $42,130 – $48,534 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $48,534 – $54,442 |
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 Altus
Currently, five veterinary technologists and technicians are employed in Altus, indicating a smaller job market that aligns with the cost-of-living index of 88.9, suggesting that purchasing power may be more favorable for local professionals. Employers offering higher pay in the area include corporate chain hospitals and specialty referral facilities, which recognize the heightened value of credentials like the Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS). The variation in salaries can be attributed to factors such as specialization, employer type, and potential additional pay from mentorship roles or shift differentials in emergency settings. For job seekers in Altus, focusing on securing advanced certifications and considering employment in higher-paying sectors are practical steps for maximizing earning potential in this evolving market.
More salary data for Altus, OK:
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 $39,934 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Altus 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 Altus 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