Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Killeen, TX: $39,932 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Killeen, TX earns a median $39,932/year (≈ $19.20/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Killeen's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 91.1), that paycheck buys what $43,818 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.7% above the Texas state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Killeen, Texas, the projected median annual salary for veterinary technologists and technicians in 2026 is $39,932, reflecting a competitive position in a market where corporate chains such as VCA and BluePearl drive salary structures. The full salary range spans from $31,513 at the lower end (P10) to $50,070 at the upper echelon (P90). These figures are derived from official BLS OEWS surveys and reveal a market that, while slightly lower than the national median of $49,986, offers a significant opportunity for those considering a career in veterinary medicine. With a growth rate of 5.50% annually, the field shows promise not only for job stability but also for salary increases, positioning Killeen as a viable option for aspiring veterinary professionals.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $31,513 | $15.15 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $37,031 | $17.81 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $39,932 | $19.20 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $47,275 | $22.72 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $50,070 | $24.08 |
Median Salary Position
20.11% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Killeen
In Killeen, TX, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $18,557 (2026 est.). At $39,932, the local median is 20.11% below the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Killeen: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Killeen Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Killeen median: $39,932/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Killeen Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Texas Average | $39,654 | +0.70% more |
| National Average | $49,986 | -20.11% less |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Killeen, TX earn a median of $39,932 per year (2026 est.), which is 20.11% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 0.70% above the Texas state average of $39,654.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Killeen has a cost of living 8.87% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Killeen, TX has a cost-of-living index of 91.132 (below the national average of 100). A veterinary technologist and technician earning $39,932 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $43,818 in an average-cost city — an effective 9.73% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$25,990
2025 BLS Actual
$37,850
2026 Current Est.
$39,932
2019–2027 Growth
+62.1%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Killeen (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25,990 | Actual |
| 2020 | $26,250 | Actual |
| 2021 | $28,520 | Actual |
| 2022 | $29,660 | Actual |
| 2023 | $34,160 | Actual |
| 2024 | $35,820 | Actual |
| 2025 | $37,850 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39,932 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42,128 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Killeen metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 45.6% from $25,990 (2019) to $37,850 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $42,128 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,138 (62.09%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Killeen 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) | $31,513 – $37,031 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $37,031 – $39,932 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $39,932 – $47,275 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $47,275 – $50,070 |
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 Killeen
Looking deeper into the job market, Killeen employs around 210 veterinary technologists and technicians, which fosters a unique local dynamics in terms of salary potential. With a cost-of-living index of 91.132, the area provides a more affordable lifestyle, enhancing take-home purchasing power despite the lower wage average compared to nationwide figures. Corporate hospitals like VCA and BluePearl typically offer the most competitive pay, while specialty referral facilities may provide additional incentives for those with Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) credentials. The disparity in salary ranges can be attributed to various factors, such as specialization in emergency and critical care or anesthesia, along with shift differentials offered in 24-hour ER hospitals. To maximize earning potential, candidates should focus on gaining relevant certifications and experiences that distinguish them from peers, as well as considering employment in established corporate chains that value those with in-demand specialties.
More salary data for Killeen, 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 $37,850 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Killeen 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