Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Port Arthur, TX: $40,567 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Port Arthur, TX earns a median $40,567/year (≈ $19.51/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Port Arthur's price level (4% below national, BEA RPP 96.0), that paycheck buys what $42,257 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.3% above the Texas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the veterinary technologist and technician salary in Port Arthur, TX, is projected to have a median annual figure of $40,567. This local estimate indicates a salary range from $30,588 at the 10th percentile to $52,982 at the 90th percentile. Compared to the national median of $49,986, veterinary technicians in Port Arthur earn approximately 18.84% less. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS data adjusted for regional cost differences, reflect the dynamics of specialized versus general practice settings. While those working in specialty referral hospitals typically command higher wages due to their advanced expertise and specialized roles, general practice clinics may offer less competitive salaries but could provide different benefits and work-life balance.
About the Port Arthur Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($38,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $30,588 | $14.71 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $33,020 | $15.88 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $40,567 | $19.51 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $48,872 | $23.49 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $52,982 | $25.47 |
Median Salary Position
18.84% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Port Arthur
In Port Arthur, TX, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $22,394 (2026 est.). At $40,567, the local median is 18.84% below the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Port Arthur: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Port Arthur Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Port Arthur median: $40,567/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Port Arthur Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Texas Average | $39,655 | +2.30% more |
| National Average | $49,986 | -18.84% less |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Port Arthur, TX earn a median of $40,567 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.84% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 2.30% above the Texas state average of $39,655.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Port Arthur 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.
Port Arthur, TX has a cost-of-living index of 96 (below the national average of 100). A veterinary technologist and technician earning $40,567 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $42,257 in an average-cost city — an effective 4.17% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$28,665
2025 BLS Actual
$38,452
2026 Current Est.
$40,567
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Port Arthur (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28,665 | Actual |
| 2020 | $29,427 | Actual |
| 2021 | $29,906 | Actual |
| 2022 | $31,034 | Actual |
| 2023 | $35,498 | Actual |
| 2024 | $36,943 | Actual |
| 2025 | $38,452 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $40,567 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42,798 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Port Arthur metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $28,665 (2019) to $38,452 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $42,798 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,133 (49.30%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Port Arthur 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) | $30,588 – $33,020 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $33,020 – $40,567 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $40,567 – $48,872 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $48,872 – $52,982 |
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 Port Arthur
In terms of the local job market, Port Arthur employs a modest number of 12 veterinary technologists and technicians, presenting both opportunities and competition. Given a cost-of-living index of 96, salaries may stretch further in this region compared to larger urban centers, albeit still lower than national averages. Employers that tend to pay at the higher end of the spectrum typically include specialty referral hospitals and corporate chains like VCA and BluePearl. Factors contributing to the wage gap encompass the presence of Veterinary Technician Specialists (VTS), whose specialized training and credentials like ECC or anesthesia often lead to higher pay. To enhance earning potential in this environment, pursuing VTS credentials and seeking roles in specialty practices or corporate settings can be effective strategies for maximizing pay for veterinary technologists and technicians in Port Arthur.
More salary data for Port Arthur, 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 $38,452 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Port Arthur 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 Port Arthur 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