Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Odessa, TX: $37,305 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Odessa, TX earns a median $37,305/year (≈ $17.93/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Odessa's price level (6% below national, BEA RPP 93.9), that paycheck buys what $39,730 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.9% below the Texas state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Odessa, Texas, the expected median annual salary for veterinary technologists and technicians is approximately $37,305, a figure that illustrates the local market's position relative to the national median of $49,986. With a pay scale that ranges from $28,527 at the 10th percentile to $52,919 at the 90th percentile, this information is compiled from projections based on 2025 BLS OEWS data. The modest pay rate reflects how corporate chains like VCA and BluePearl influence compensation across the area. While the veterinary technologist and technician salary in Odessa may lag behind national averages, the need for trained professionals remains strong, indicating potential for growth in this sector.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $28,527 | $13.71 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $36,345 | $17.47 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $37,305 | $17.93 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $41,620 | $20.01 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $52,919 | $25.45 |
Median Salary Position
25.37% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Odessa
In Odessa, TX, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $24,392 (2026 est.). At $37,305, the local median is 25.37% below the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Odessa: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Odessa Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Odessa median: $37,305/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Odessa Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Texas Average | $39,644 | -5.90% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | -25.37% less |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Odessa, TX earn a median of $37,305 per year (2026 est.), which is 25.37% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 5.90% below the Texas state average of $39,644.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Odessa has a cost of living 6.10% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Odessa, TX has a cost-of-living index of 93.896 (below the national average of 100). A veterinary technologist and technician earning $37,305 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $39,730 in an average-cost city — an effective 6.5% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$31,260
2025 BLS Actual
$35,360
2026 Current Est.
$37,305
2019–2027 Growth
+25.9%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Odessa (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31,260 | Actual |
| 2020 | $31,510 | Actual |
| 2021 | $27,501 | Actual |
| 2022 | $28,539 | Actual |
| 2023 | $32,643 | Actual |
| 2024 | $36,340 | Actual |
| 2025 | $35,360 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $37,305 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $39,357 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Odessa metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 13.1% from $31,260 (2019) to $35,360 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $39,357 by 2027 — a total increase of $8,097 (25.90%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Odessa 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) | $28,527 – $36,345 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $36,345 – $37,305 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $37,305 – $41,620 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $41,620 – $52,919 |
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 Odessa
Currently, there are about 50 veterinary technologists and technicians employed in Odessa, TX, supporting a community with a cost-of-living index of 93.896, suggesting that salaries stretch further in maintaining a reasonable quality of life. Corporate chain hospitals often provide the most competitive salaries, particularly for those who pursue specialty certifications like VTS, which elevate earning potential significantly. The pay variance can be attributed to factors such as specialization—especially in areas like emergency care or anesthesia—and the tiered pay scale offered by larger veterinary corporate chains. For professionals in this market aiming to enhance their earning capabilities, seeking additional credentials, embracing mentorship roles, and gaining experience in high-demand specialty practices can be effective strategies for maximizing their veterinary technologist and technician pay in Odessa, TX.
More salary data for Odessa, 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 $35,360 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Odessa 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, 4-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