Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Arlington, TX: $45,855 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Arlington, TX earns a median $45,855/year (≈ $22.05/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Arlington's price level (4% below national, BEA RPP 96.0), that paycheck buys what $47,766 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 15.7% above the Texas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Arlington, Texas, the projected median annual veterinary technologist and technician salary for 2026 is $45,855, which is approximately 8.26% lower than the national median of $49,986. Those at the lower end of the spectrum earn about $32,134, while those in the top 10% can command salaries reaching $63,545. These figures are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, reflecting regional cost adjustments in the area. For professionals pursuing the VTS specialty credential in emergency and critical care or anesthesia, the salary potential can significantly increase, positioning them favorably within a competitive job market. Given Arlington's demand for veterinary services, especially in specialty care, the credentials and expertise of a VTS can create meaningful advantages for caregivers in their career trajectory.
About the Arlington Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($38,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $32,134 | $15.45 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $35,815 | $17.22 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $45,855 | $22.05 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $56,993 | $27.40 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $63,545 | $30.55 |
Median Salary Position
8.26% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Arlington
In Arlington, TX, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $31,411 (2026 est.). At $45,855, the local median is 8.26% below the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Arlington: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Arlington Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Arlington median: $45,855/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Arlington Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Texas Average | $39,632 | +15.70% more |
| National Average | $49,986 | -8.26% less |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Arlington, TX earn a median of $45,855 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.26% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 15.70% above the Texas state average of $39,632.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Arlington has a cost of living 4.00% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Arlington, TX has a cost-of-living index of 96 (below the national average of 100). A veterinary technologist and technician earning $45,855 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $47,766 in an average-cost city — an effective 4.17% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$32,401
2025 BLS Actual
$43,464
2026 Current Est.
$45,855
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Arlington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32,401 | Actual |
| 2020 | $33,263 | Actual |
| 2021 | $33,804 | Actual |
| 2022 | $35,079 | Actual |
| 2023 | $40,125 | Actual |
| 2024 | $37,530 | Actual |
| 2025 | $43,464 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $45,855 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48,377 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Arlington metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $32,401 (2019) to $43,464 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $48,377 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,976 (49.31%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Arlington 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) | $32,134 – $35,815 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $35,815 – $45,855 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $45,855 – $56,993 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $56,993 – $63,545 |
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 Arlington
A total of 83 veterinary technologists and technicians are currently employed in Arlington, TX, which underscores the steady demand for skilled professionals in this field. The area's cost of living index stands at 96, indicating that living expenses are relatively manageable compared to the national average, thus enhancing the practical purchasing power for techs. Employers that typically offer higher pay include specialty referral hospitals and corporate chain hospitals like VCA, BluePearl, and NVA, while general practice clinics tend to be on the lower end of the wage scale. The disparity between pay rates is often driven by factors such as VTS specialization, corporate pay scales, and shift differentials at emergency facilities. For those aiming to maximize their earnings, pursuing further specialization, taking on leadership roles, or seeking positions in higher-paying facilities can be effective strategies in the Arlington market.
More salary data for Arlington, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can veterinary technologists and technicians make $100K in Arlington?
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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 $43,464 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Arlington 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 Arlington 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