Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in El Paso, TX: $38,233 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in El Paso, TX earns a median $38,233/year (≈ $18.38/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in El Paso's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 89.9), that paycheck buys what $42,523 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.6% below the Texas state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, the veterinary technologist and technician salary in El Paso, TX, is projected to reach a median annual figure of $38,233. This local rate is notably lower than the national median of $49,986, marking a 23.51% difference, a reflection of the economic dynamics within the region. The anticipated salary range in this area extends from $29,656 at the 10th percentile to $50,313 at the 90th percentile, highlighting the diverse earning potential among professionals. These salary figures are derived from detailed assessments based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026. With a growing demand for qualified veterinary staff, the job market in El Paso remains competitive, particularly for those with advanced credentials and experience in specialized practices.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $29,656 | $14.26 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $31,481 | $15.14 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $38,233 | $18.38 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $44,911 | $21.60 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $50,313 | $24.19 |
Median Salary Position
23.51% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in El Paso
In El Paso, TX, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $20,657 (2026 est.). At $38,233, the local median is 23.51% below the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in El Paso: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How El Paso Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
El Paso median: $38,233/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | El Paso Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Texas Average | $39,661 | -3.60% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | -23.51% less |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in El Paso, TX earn a median of $38,233 per year (2026 est.), which is 23.51% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 3.60% below the Texas state average of $39,661.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
El Paso has a cost of living 10.09% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
El Paso, TX has a cost-of-living index of 89.912 (below the national average of 100). A veterinary technologist and technician earning $38,233 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $42,523 in an average-cost city — an effective 11.22% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$27,350
2025 BLS Actual
$36,240
2026 Current Est.
$38,233
2019–2027 Growth
+47.5%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in El Paso (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $27,350 | Actual |
| 2020 | $29,710 | Actual |
| 2021 | $27,780 | Actual |
| 2022 | $28,270 | Actual |
| 2023 | $29,910 | Actual |
| 2024 | $36,370 | Actual |
| 2025 | $36,240 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $38,233 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $40,336 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the El Paso metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 32.5% from $27,350 (2019) to $36,240 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $40,336 by 2027 — a total increase of $12,986 (47.48%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the El Paso 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) | $29,656 – $31,481 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $31,481 – $38,233 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $38,233 – $44,911 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $44,911 – $50,313 |
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 El Paso
A total of 250 veterinary technologists and technicians are currently employed within El Paso, creating a ripple effect on the local job market. The cost of living index is relatively low at 89.912, meaning that while salaries are lower than the national average, workers may find their take-home pay goes further in this region. Among the highest-paying employers are corporate chain hospitals like VCA and BluePearl, which typically offer structured pay scales that reward experience and specialty certifications. The disparity in salaries can also be attributed to factors such as VTS specialty credentials, which can significantly boost earning potential to $30-$45 or more per hour, and roles in emergency and specialty facilities that offer shift differentials. Aspiring veterinary technologists and technicians in El Paso should consider pursuing these credentials and seeking positions in well-established hospitals or specialty clinics to maximize their earning potential.
More salary data for El Paso, TX:
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 $36,240 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the El Paso 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