Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Copperas Cove, TX: $38,325 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Copperas Cove, TX earns a median $38,325/year (≈ $18.42/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Copperas Cove's price level (4% below national, BEA RPP 96.0), that paycheck buys what $39,922 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.3% below the Texas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Copperas Cove, TX, the projected 2026 median annual salary for veterinary technologists and technicians is set at $38,325, which is significantly lower than the national median of $49,986. Local earnings range from $31,293 at the 10th percentile to $50,318 at the 90th percentile, offering a glimpse into the varying pay scales across different roles and experience levels within this field. The figures presented here are based on 2025 BLS data, projected to 2026, and reflect the economics of the area, including regional cost adjustments. While salaries in Copperas Cove may appear modest against national standards, the job market remains stable, particularly with corporate chain hospitals such as VCA and BluePearl influencing local pay structures.
About the Copperas Cove Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($38,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $31,293 | $15.04 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $31,933 | $15.35 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $38,325 | $18.42 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $46,549 | $22.38 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $50,318 | $24.19 |
Median Salary Position
23.33% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Copperas Cove
In Copperas Cove, TX, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $19,025 (2026 est.). At $38,325, the local median is 23.33% below the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Copperas Cove: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Copperas Cove Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Copperas Cove median: $38,325/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Copperas Cove Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Texas Average | $39,633 | -3.30% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | -23.33% less |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Copperas Cove, TX earn a median of $38,325 per year (2026 est.), which is 23.33% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 3.30% below the Texas state average of $39,633.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Copperas Cove 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.
Copperas Cove, TX has a cost-of-living index of 96 (below the national average of 100). A veterinary technologist and technician earning $38,325 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $39,922 in an average-cost city — an effective 4.17% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$27,080
2025 BLS Actual
$36,327
2026 Current Est.
$38,325
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Copperas Cove (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $27,080 | Actual |
| 2020 | $27,801 | Actual |
| 2021 | $28,253 | Actual |
| 2022 | $29,319 | Actual |
| 2023 | $33,536 | Actual |
| 2024 | $35,268 | Actual |
| 2025 | $36,327 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $38,325 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $40,433 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Copperas Cove metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $27,080 (2019) to $36,327 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $40,433 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,353 (49.31%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Copperas Cove 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) | $31,293 – $31,933 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $31,933 – $38,325 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $38,325 – $46,549 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $46,549 – $50,318 |
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 Copperas Cove
Currently, there are seven veterinary technologists and technicians employed in Copperas Cove, reflecting a niche but essential labor pool in the area. The cost of living index sits at 96, suggesting that earning potential in this market may allow for reasonable purchasing power despite lower salary figures. Corporations like VCA and BluePearl typically offer higher wages compared to general practice clinics, contributing to pay disparities driven by factors such as specialty credentials and the nature of the workplace. For those aiming to increase their earnings, pursuing Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) qualifications in areas like emergency and critical care can open doors to top-tier salaries exceeding $30 an hour. Additionally, gaining experience in specialty hospitals or leadership roles can further enhance pay prospects, making strategic career moves essential for maximizing veterinary technologist and technician salary in Copperas Cove.
More salary data for Copperas Cove, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do veterinary technologists and technicians make in Copperas Cove, TX in 2026?
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Can veterinary technologists and technicians make $100K in Copperas Cove?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted veterinary technologist and technician salary in Copperas Cove?
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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 $36,327 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Copperas Cove 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 Copperas Cove 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