Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Abilene, TX: $39,014 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Abilene, TX earns a median $39,014/year (≈ $18.76/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Abilene's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 90.4), that paycheck buys what $43,174 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.6% below the Texas state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Abilene, TX, the projected median annual salary for veterinary technologists and technicians sits at $39,014, which is significantly lower than the national median of $49,986. The salary distribution reveals a range from $31,006 at the 10th percentile to $48,667 at the 90th percentile, indicating potential earnings variability based on experience and specialization. With official data obtained from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), it becomes clear that while working in general practice may yield salaries toward the lower end of this spectrum, those employed in specialty hospitals, such as emergency and critical care facilities, often command elevated wages. This divergence underscores the need for professionals in the field to consider their work environment carefully as they navigate their career paths in the Abilene job market.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $31,006 | $14.91 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $37,442 | $18.00 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $39,014 | $18.76 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $46,779 | $22.49 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $48,667 | $23.40 |
Median Salary Position
21.95% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Abilene
In Abilene, TX, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $17,661 (2026 est.). At $39,014, the local median is 21.95% below the national median of $49,986.
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At 40 hours/week in Abilene: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Abilene Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Abilene median: $39,014/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Abilene Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Texas Average | $39,648 | -1.60% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | -21.95% less |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Abilene, TX earn a median of $39,014 per year (2026 est.), which is 21.95% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 1.60% below the Texas state average of $39,648.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Abilene has a cost of living 9.64% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Abilene, TX has a cost-of-living index of 90.364 (below the national average of 100). A veterinary technologist and technician earning $39,014 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $43,174 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.66% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$25,630
2025 BLS Actual
$36,980
2026 Current Est.
$39,014
2019–2027 Growth
+60.6%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Abilene (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25,630 | Actual |
| 2020 | $30,400 | Actual |
| 2021 | $28,380 | Actual |
| 2022 | $29,500 | Actual |
| 2023 | $29,490 | Actual |
| 2024 | $36,030 | Actual |
| 2025 | $36,980 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39,014 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $41,160 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Abilene metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 44.3% from $25,630 (2019) to $36,980 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $41,160 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,530 (60.59%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Abilene 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) | $31,006 – $37,442 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $37,442 – $39,014 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $39,014 – $46,779 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $46,779 – $48,667 |
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 Abilene
When examining the broader employment climate, Abilene is home to about 110 veterinary technologists and technicians, offering a decent number of opportunities within a manageable market. The cost of living index stands at 90.364, suggesting that while salaries may be lower compared to national standards, the relative affordability of the area can help ease financial pressures. Employers such as specialty referral hospitals typically offer higher pay than general practice clinics, which means that pursuing advanced certifications, like the VTS specialty credential, can significantly influence earnings potential. Additionally, those seeking to maximize their veterinary technologist and technician pay in Abilene, TX, should consider positions in corporate chains and specialty facilities, where experience and credentialing can lead to more favorable compensation. Strategies such as networking within local veterinary communities and seeking continuing education opportunities can also bolster earning potential in this growing field.
More salary data for Abilene, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do veterinary technologists and technicians make in Abilene, TX in 2026?
Is Abilene, TX a good place to work as a veterinary technologist and technician?
Can veterinary technologists and technicians make $100K in Abilene?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted veterinary technologist and technician salary in Abilene?
How much does a veterinary technologist and technician make per hour in Abilene?
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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 $36,980 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Abilene 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
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