Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Houston, TX: $46,536 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Houston, TX earns a median $46,536/year (≈ $22.38/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Houston's price level (1% below national, BEA RPP 98.6), that paycheck buys what $47,183 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 17.4% above the Texas state average.
Official BLS data · View source
The projected median annual compensation for veterinary technologists and technicians in Houston, TX, in 2026 is $46,536, which is approximately 6.90% lower than the national median of $49,986. This salary range spans from $32,958 at the 10th percentile to $59,470 at the 90th percentile, highlighting a significant variance in earnings based on experience, specialization, and the type of employment setting. As professionals pursue the Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) credential, particularly in areas such as Emergency and Critical Care (ECC) or anesthesia, they have the potential to access higher salary tiers within this market. The data presented here is derived from 2025 BLS OEWS surveys, projected for 2026, reflecting the current dynamics in Houston's veterinary landscape.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $32,958 | $15.85 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $38,687 | $18.60 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $46,536 | $22.38 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $49,764 | $23.93 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $59,470 | $28.59 |
Median Salary Position
6.9% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Houston
In Houston, TX, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $26,512 (2026 est.). At $46,536, the local median is 6.9% below the national median of $49,986.
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At 40 hours/week in Houston: You'd be above the median
How Houston Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Houston median: $46,536/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Houston Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Texas Average | $39,639 | +17.40% more |
| National Average | $49,986 | -6.90% less |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Houston, TX earn a median of $46,536 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.90% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 17.40% above the Texas state average of $39,639.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Houston has a cost of living 1.37% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Houston, TX has a cost-of-living index of 98.629 (below the national average of 100). A veterinary technologist and technician earning $46,536 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $47,183 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.39% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$27,990
2025 BLS Actual
$44,110
2026 Current Est.
$46,536
2019–2027 Growth
+75.4%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Houston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $27,990 | Actual |
| 2020 | $31,800 | Actual |
| 2021 | $34,000 | Actual |
| 2022 | $34,120 | Actual |
| 2023 | $35,990 | Actual |
| 2024 | $37,800 | Actual |
| 2025 | $44,110 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46,536 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49,096 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Houston metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 57.6% from $27,990 (2019) to $44,110 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $49,096 by 2027 — a total increase of $21,106 (75.41%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Houston 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) | $32,958 – $38,687 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $38,687 – $46,536 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $46,536 – $49,764 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $49,764 – $59,470 |
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 Houston
With 3,570 veterinary technologists and technicians employed in the Houston area, the job market is robust, which is essential for sustaining competitive salaries. The cost of living index in Houston stands at 98.629, indicating that the area is relatively affordable compared to the national average, thereby influencing take-home purchasing power. Among local employers, specialty hospitals tending to offer the highest salaries often focus on areas such as surgery, internal medicine, and emergency care. Variations in pay can be attributed to several factors, including the credentialing level of veterinary technicians, the differences in pay scales at corporate veterinary chains versus general practice offices, and the demand for experienced techs in specialty roles. For those looking to maximize their earnings, pursuing additional certifications such as the VTS, gaining experience in specialty environments, and seeking positions in 24-hour emergency clinics can significantly enhance their overall compensation.
More salary data for Houston, 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 $44,110 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Houston 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