Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Lufkin, TX: $37,627 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Lufkin, TX earns a median $37,627/year (≈ $18.09/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Lufkin's price level (4% below national, BEA RPP 96.0), that paycheck buys what $39,195 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.1% below the Texas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Veterinary technologists and technicians in Lufkin, Texas can expect a median annual salary of $37,627 in 2026, which reflects the ongoing influence of corporate pay scales, particularly those set by larger organizations such as VCA and BluePearl. The local salary range indicates significant variability, with the lower end at $29,596 and the highest reaching $47,982. These figures, derived from BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional cost factors, position Lufkin's compensation landscape notably below the national median of $49,986. This divergence highlights the economic dynamics at play in the local job market, which is shaped by supply-demand factors and corporate consolidation trends across the veterinary sector.
About the Lufkin Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($38,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $29,596 | $14.23 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $31,355 | $15.08 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $37,627 | $18.09 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $44,950 | $21.61 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $47,982 | $23.07 |
Median Salary Position
24.72% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lufkin
In Lufkin, TX, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $18,386 (2026 est.). At $37,627, the local median is 24.72% below the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Lufkin: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Lufkin Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Lufkin median: $37,627/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Lufkin Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Texas Average | $39,649 | -5.10% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | -24.72% less |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Lufkin, TX earn a median of $37,627 per year (2026 est.), which is 24.72% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 5.10% below the Texas state average of $39,649.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Lufkin 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.
Lufkin, TX has a cost-of-living index of 96 (below the national average of 100). A veterinary technologist and technician earning $37,627 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $39,195 in an average-cost city — an effective 4.17% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$26,587
2025 BLS Actual
$35,665
2026 Current Est.
$37,627
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Lufkin (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26,587 | Actual |
| 2020 | $27,294 | Actual |
| 2021 | $27,739 | Actual |
| 2022 | $28,785 | Actual |
| 2023 | $32,925 | Actual |
| 2024 | $34,626 | Actual |
| 2025 | $35,665 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $37,627 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $39,696 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Lufkin metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $26,587 (2019) to $35,665 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $39,696 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,109 (49.31%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lufkin 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) | $29,596 – $31,355 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $31,355 – $37,627 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $37,627 – $44,950 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $44,950 – $47,982 |
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 Lufkin
In Lufkin, only eight veterinary technologists and technicians are employed, illustrating both a niche job market and potential competition for these roles. With a cost-of-living index of 96, the purchasing power of salaries here is somewhat limited, but this could be mitigated by rigorous credentialing. Those who pursue the VTS specialty credential in areas like emergency care or anesthesia can command higher pay rates, often exceeding typical earnings. Hospitals affiliated with corporate chains generally offer more robust compensation packages when compared to general practice clinics. Variations in pay can also be influenced by factors such as shift differentials at emergency hospitals, leadership roles, and specialized training. For aspiring veterinary technologists and technicians in Lufkin, focusing on obtaining specialty certifications while seeking employment with well-established veterinary practices may be key strategies for maximizing earning potential in this evolving market.
More salary data for Lufkin, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can veterinary technologists and technicians make $100K in Lufkin?
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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 $35,665 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Lufkin 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 Lufkin 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