Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Pasadena, TX: $45,927 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Pasadena, TX earns a median $45,927/year (≈ $22.08/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Pasadena's price level (4% below national, BEA RPP 96.0), that paycheck buys what $47,841 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 15.9% above the Texas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Pasadena, TX, veterinary technologists and technicians can expect a median annual salary of $45,927 for 2026, which reflects an 8.12% decrease compared to the national median of $49,986. Salaries within the industry can vary significantly, with a range from $34,960 at the 10th percentile to $62,374 at the 90th percentile. These figures stem from estimates based on 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost of living, which influences the overall compensation landscape in the area. The disparity in pay levels often stems from the structural choices between specialty hospitals and general practice setups, with specialty hospitals typically offering higher salaries due to the advanced skills required and greater complexity of cases.
About the Pasadena Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($38,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $34,960 | $16.81 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $37,780 | $18.17 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $45,927 | $22.08 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $56,731 | $27.27 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $62,374 | $29.98 |
Median Salary Position
8.12% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Pasadena
In Pasadena, TX, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $27,414 (2026 est.). At $45,927, the local median is 8.12% below the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Pasadena: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Pasadena Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Pasadena median: $45,927/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Pasadena Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Texas Average | $39,627 | +15.90% more |
| National Average | $49,986 | -8.12% less |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Pasadena, TX earn a median of $45,927 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.12% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 15.90% above the Texas state average of $39,627.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Pasadena 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.
Pasadena, TX has a cost-of-living index of 96 (below the national average of 100). A veterinary technologist and technician earning $45,927 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $47,841 in an average-cost city — an effective 4.17% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$32,452
2025 BLS Actual
$43,533
2026 Current Est.
$45,927
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Pasadena (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32,452 | Actual |
| 2020 | $33,316 | Actual |
| 2021 | $33,858 | Actual |
| 2022 | $35,135 | Actual |
| 2023 | $40,189 | Actual |
| 2024 | $36,363 | Actual |
| 2025 | $43,533 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $45,927 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48,453 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Pasadena metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $32,452 (2019) to $43,533 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $48,453 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,001 (49.31%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Pasadena 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) | $34,960 – $37,780 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $37,780 – $45,927 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $45,927 – $56,731 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $56,731 – $62,374 |
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 Pasadena
Currently, Pasadena has 32 veterinary technologists and technicians employed, indicating a modest local job market. The cost of living index stands at 96, suggesting that while compensation may be lower than the national average, the relative affordability in the region can enhance take-home purchasing power. Among local employers, specialty referral hospitals, such as those focused on emergency care or specialty treatments, tend to pay the highest, followed closely by corporate chain hospitals like VCA and BluePearl. The pay variance in Pasadena's veterinary sector is often driven by factors such as specialty certifications, particularly the Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) credentials, which can command top-tier salaries. To maximize earnings in this market, pursuing additional certifications and considering positions in specialty settings or corporate chains could provide a competitive advantage for veterinary technologists and technicians.
More salary data for Pasadena, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do veterinary technologists and technicians make in Pasadena, TX in 2026?
Is Pasadena, TX a good place to work as a veterinary technologist and technician?
Can veterinary technologists and technicians make $100K in Pasadena?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted veterinary technologist and technician salary in Pasadena?
How much does a veterinary technologist and technician make per hour in Pasadena?
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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 $43,533 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Pasadena 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 Pasadena 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