Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Waco, TX: $39,626 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Waco, TX earns a median $39,626/year (≈ $19.05/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Waco's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 92.5), that paycheck buys what $42,816 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.0% above the Texas state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Waco, Texas, the earnings for veterinary technologists and technicians reflect a dynamic interplay between practice setting and specialization. 2026 estimates show a median annual salary of $39,626, which indicates a significant gap when compared to the national median of $49,986—approximately 20.73% less than the national average. The salary range stretches from $30,310 at the 10th percentile to $50,935 at the 90th percentile, reflecting variations in experience and type of practice. This data, derived from 2025 BLS OEWS surveys, highlights that those working in specialty hospitals often command higher salaries compared to their counterparts in general practice. As Waco continues to evolve in its veterinary care offerings, the distinction between general and specialized practices will likely impact compensation levels more broadly.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $30,310 | $14.57 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $32,146 | $15.46 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $39,626 | $19.05 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $47,359 | $22.77 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $50,935 | $24.49 |
Median Salary Position
20.73% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Waco
In Waco, TX, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $20,625 (2026 est.). At $39,626, the local median is 20.73% below the national median of $49,986.
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At 40 hours/week in Waco: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Waco Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Waco median: $39,626/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Waco Pays |
|---|---|---|
| National Average | $49,986 | -20.73% less |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Waco, TX earn a median of $39,626 per year (2026 est.), which is 20.73% lower than the national median of $49,986.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Waco has a cost of living 7.45% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Waco, TX has a cost-of-living index of 92.55 (below the national average of 100). A veterinary technologist and technician earning $39,626 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $42,816 in an average-cost city — an effective 8.05% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$31,300
2025 BLS Actual
$37,560
2026 Current Est.
$39,626
2019–2027 Growth
+33.6%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Waco (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31,300 | Actual |
| 2020 | $29,420 | Actual |
| 2021 | $29,850 | Actual |
| 2022 | $34,260 | Actual |
| 2023 | $36,080 | Actual |
| 2024 | $36,030 | Actual |
| 2025 | $37,560 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39,626 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $41,805 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Waco metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 20.0% from $31,300 (2019) to $37,560 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $41,805 by 2027 — a total increase of $10,505 (33.56%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Waco 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) | $30,310 – $32,146 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $32,146 – $39,626 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $39,626 – $47,359 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $47,359 – $50,935 |
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 Waco
Analyzing the local job market, Waco employs around 130 veterinary technologists and technicians, signaling steady demand amid a national workforce shortage. The cost of living index in Waco sits at 92.55, which is below the national average, allowing veterinary staff to enjoy a lower threshold for necessary expenses. Among local employers, specialty referral hospitals and corporate chain facilities like VCA and BluePearl often offer the most competitive pay. Factors driving salary variance include the value of Veterinary Technician Specialty (VTS) credentials, which can significantly enhance earning potential, especially in areas like emergency and critical care or anesthesia. Practical strategies for maximizing earnings in Waco include pursuing VTS certification and seeking positions within specialty hospitals or corporate chains, where pay scales tend to favor advanced skills.
More salary data for Waco, 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 $37,560 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Waco 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