Vet Tech salary

Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Weslaco, TX: $38,543 (2026)

Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Weslaco, TX earns a median $38,543/year (≈ $18.53/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Weslaco's price level (4% below national, BEA RPP 96.0), that paycheck buys what $40,149 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.8% below the Texas state average.

$38,543
Median Annual Salary
$18.53/hr
Median Hourly Rate
$28,654
Entry Level (P10)
$50,934
Top Earners (P90)

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Weslaco, TX — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Weslaco, TX veterinary technologist and technician salary overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

In Weslaco, Texas, the projected salary for veterinary technologists and technicians in 2026 stands at $38,543, which reflects a significant discrepancy when compared to the national median of $49,986. The salary range for these positions varies considerably, from $28,654 at the 10th percentile to $50,934 at the 90th percentile, showcasing the potential earning variations within the local job market. These figures are based on comprehensive estimates derived from 2025 BLS data and regional price adjustments. Veterinary technicians in Weslaco can expect that their earnings will significantly relate to the type of practice they work in, with specialty hospitals generally offering higher pay than standard general practices, thereby influencing career decisions in this growing field.

About the Weslaco Market

Salary estimated from Texas average ($38,000) adjusted for local cost of living.

Salary Breakdown

PercentileAnnualHourly
Entry Level (P10)$28,654$13.78
Lower Range (P25)$33,238$15.98
Median (P50)(typical)$38,543$18.53
Upper Range (P75)$47,131$22.66
Top Earners (P90)$50,934$24.49

Median Salary Position

$28,654$50,934
City Median: $38,543
National: $49,986
P10–P90 Range

22.89% below the national average

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Weslaco

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for veterinary technologist and technicians in Weslaco. The median salary is $38,543, compared to the national median of $49,986.$25.8K$32.7K$39.6K$46.6K$53.5K$28.7K10th Pctl$33.2K25th Pctl$38.5KMedian$47.1K75th Pctl$50.9K90th PctlUS Median$50.0K

In Weslaco, TX, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $22,280 (2026 est.). At $38,543, the local median is 22.89% below the national median of $49,986.

Source: BLS OEWS projected to 2026. Percentiles reflect the distribution of veterinary technologist and technician pay in the Weslaco metro area.

Salary Calculator

8 hrs (1 day)24 hrs (3 days)40 hrs (full-time)
$741
per week
$3,211
per month
$38,534
per year

At 40 hours/week in Weslaco: You'd be in the lower-middle range

How Weslaco Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares

Weslaco median: $38,543/year (2026)

Compared ToMedian SalaryWeslaco Pays
Texas Average$39,654-2.80% less
National Average$49,986-22.89% less
Horizontal bar chart comparing veterinary technologist and technician median salary in Weslaco ($38,543) with Texas average ($39,654) and the US national median ($49,986).Weslaco$38,543Texas Avg$39,654-2.80%US National$49,986-22.89%

Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Weslaco, TX earn a median of $38,543 per year (2026 est.), which is 22.89% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 2.80% below the Texas state average of $39,654.

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary

$38,543
Nominal Salary
96
CoL Index
$40,149
Adjusted Salary

Weslaco 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.

The nominal salary is $38,543. After adjusting for a cost-of-living index of 96, the purchasing-power equivalent is $40,149, a gain of $1,606.$32.8K$38.9K$45.1K$51.3K$57.5K$38,543NominalSalary$40,149CoL Adjusted(CoL: 96) 4.17%US Median $50.0K

Weslaco, TX has a cost-of-living index of 96 (below the national average of 100). A veterinary technologist and technician earning $38,543 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $40,149 in an average-cost city — an effective 4.17% boost.

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2019 BLS Actual

$27,235

2025 BLS Actual

$36,534

2026 Current Est.

$38,543

2019–2027 Growth

+49.3%

Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Weslaco (20192027)

2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Salary trajectory chart for veterinary technologists and technicians in Weslaco. Baseline $27,235 in 2025, projected to $40,663 by 2027.$24.5K$29.2K$33.9K$38.6K$43.3K2019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$27.2K$28.0K$28.4K$29.5K$33.7K$35.5K$36.5K$38.5K$40.7K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2019$27,235Actual
2020$27,960Actual
2021$28,414Actual
2022$29,486Actual
2023$33,727Actual
2024$35,469Actual
2025$36,534Actual
2026(current)$38,543Estimated
2027$40,663Projected

Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Weslaco metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $27,235 (2019) to $36,534 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $40,663 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,428 (49.30%) from 2019.

Note: Historical values (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Weslaco metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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

ExperienceEstimated Salary Range
0-2 years (New Graduate)$28,654$33,238
3-5 years (Mid Career)$33,238$38,543
5+ years (Experienced)$38,543$47,131
10+ years (Top Earner)$47,131$50,934

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 Weslaco

With only nine veterinary technologists and technicians employed in Weslaco, the local job market is relatively small but still shows promise, especially with a projected growth rate of 5.50% annually. A cost-of-living index of 96 indicates that living expenses in Weslaco are below the national average, which can enhance take-home pay and purchasing power despite lower salaries. Employers that pay higher wages tend to be corporate chain hospitals like VCA or BluePearl, which often have tiered pay scales, while specialty hospitals draw the highest compensation for positions geared toward those holding VTS credentials in areas such as emergency care and anesthesia. Those in the field looking to maximize their earnings should focus on obtaining specialty certifications, considering a move to roles in emergency or specialty veterinary settings, or seeking lead technician opportunities that often come with enhanced pay structures.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do veterinary technologists and technicians make in Weslaco, TX in 2026?

The estimated 2026 median veterinary technologist and technician salary in Weslaco is $38,543/year ($18.53/hour), based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 5.50% annual growth). Salaries range from $28,654 at entry level (10th percentile) to $50,934 for experienced top earners (90th percentile). This puts Weslaco at 22.9% below the national median. Full-time veterinary technologists and technicians typically work 2,080 hours per year, though many positions offer part-time schedules with flexible hours across multiple practices.

Is Weslaco, TX a good place to work as a veterinary technologist and technician?

Weslaco veterinary technologist and technician salaries are 22.9% below the national average and 2.8% below the Texas state average. The metro area employs approximately 9 veterinary technologists and technicians. With a cost-of-living index of 96, your salary stretches further here than in higher-cost metros. Job availability depends on population density, the number of practices, and retirement turnover in the area.

Can veterinary technologists and technicians make $100K in Weslaco?

The median veterinary technologist and technician salary in Weslaco is $38,543, and the 90th percentile earns $50,934. Reaching $100K in this market typically requires a combination of advanced certifications, working at multiple practices, or transitioning into education or consulting roles.

What is the cost-of-living adjusted veterinary technologist and technician salary in Weslaco?

After adjusting for Weslaco's cost-of-living index of 96 (where 100 equals the national average), the $38,543 nominal salary has purchasing power equivalent to $40,149 in an average-cost city. This means your dollar goes 4.2% further in Weslaco compared to the national average, making it an attractive location for veterinary technologists and technicians seeking strong real wages.

How much does a veterinary technologist and technician make per hour in Weslaco?

Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Weslaco earn a median hourly rate of $18.53, which translates to approximately $38,543/year for full-time work (40 hours/week, 2,080 hours/year). Hourly rates range from $13.78 for entry-level positions to $24.49 for the most experienced practitioners. Part-time and per diem veterinary technologists and technicians sometimes command premium hourly rates because practices need flexible scheduling coverage.

Related Pages

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JL

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.

Clinically reviewed by Sofia Patel, RVTData verified by Mark Chen, LVT

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 $36,534 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Weslaco 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 Weslaco is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).

View estimation methodology

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

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