Average Veterinary Technician Salary in TexasNo State Income Tax
Veterinary Technicians in Texas earn an average of $42,229 per year across 5 metro areas. This is +3.5% lower than the national average.
Average Salary
$42,229
per year
Hourly Rate
$20.30
per hour
vs National
-3.5%
$43,740 national
Salary Range
$27,563
to $61,920
About Veterinary Technician Careers in Texas
Veterinary technicians (vet techs) are the clinical backbone of companion animal and large animal veterinary practices — performing diagnostic tests, anesthetizing and monitoring surgical patients, administering medications, and assisting veterinarians during procedures. The BLS reports a national median annual wage of $38,240 for veterinary technologists and technicians, though the range is wide: specialty and emergency hospital techs, particularly those with AVECCT or VTS credentials in anesthesia or emergency medicine, earn substantially more. Demand is strong and growing — pet ownership expanded dramatically during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, driving unprecedented patient volume at veterinary clinics nationally.
In Texas, veterinary technicians earn an average of $42,229 per year as of 2026, with salaries ranging from $27,563 for entry-level roles to $61,920 for the most experienced professionals — +3.5% below the national average. Pay is influenced most by practice type — specialty/emergency hospitals (cardiology, oncology, neurology, surgery) pay significantly above general practice; 24-hour emergency clinics often offer premium pay for overnight and weekend coverage, vts credential — veterinary technician specialists in anesthesia, ecc, or dentistry earn $15,000–$30,000 above non-credentialed general practice techs, and the specific metro area within Texas.
Cost of Living Adjusted Salary
Nominal Salary
$42,229
Cost of Living Index
93
100 = national average
Adjusted Salary
$45,408
purchasing power equivalent
After adjusting for Texas's cost of living (below average), a Veterinary Technician's salary of $42,229 has the purchasing power of $45,408 in an average-cost area. Additionally, Texas has no state income tax, further increasing take-home pay.
Veterinary Technician Salary by City in Texas
| City | Median Salary | Hourly Rate | Entry Level (P10) | Senior (P90) | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Austin, TX | $45,557 | $21.90/hr | $30,038 | $67,075 | 120 |
| Dallas, TX | $44,799 | $21.54/hr | $28,462 | $65,924 | 141 |
| Houston, TX | $42,754 | $20.55/hr | $28,444 | $61,694 | 128 |
| San Antonio, TX | $40,473 | $19.46/hr | $26,312 | $58,792 | 94 |
| El Paso, TX | $37,564 | $18.06/hr | $24,559 | $56,114 | 122 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS Survey, 2026. Sorted by median salary (highest first).
Texas vs National Average
Veterinary Technician Salary Comparison
Employment in Texas
There are approximately 605 Veterinary Technicians employed across 5 metro areas in Texas.
Key Industries: Energy & Oil, Technology, Healthcare
State Income Tax: None (tax-free state)
Veterinary Technician Salary Range in Texas
Entry Level (10th Percentile)
$27,563
Starting salary for new Veterinary Technicians
Median (50th Percentile)
$42,229
Mid-career Veterinary Technician salary
Senior (90th Percentile)
$61,920
Top earners in the field
Related Occupations in Texas
Nurse Practitioner
$122,658
avg in TX
+$80,429 vs Veterinary Technician
Registered Nurse
$90,049
avg in TX
+$47,820 vs Veterinary Technician
Dental Hygienist
$86,888
avg in TX
+$44,659 vs Veterinary Technician
Licensed Practical Nurse
$57,242
avg in TX
+$15,013 vs Veterinary Technician
Nursing Assistant
$36,400
avg in TX
-$5,829 vs Veterinary Technician
Veterinary Technician Salary in Neighboring States
Compare Veterinary Technician salaries in Texas with nearby states to find the best opportunities.
More Veterinary Technician Data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Veterinary Technician salary in Texas?
The average Veterinary Technician salary in Texas is $42,229 per year ($20.30/hour) based on 2026 data across 5 metro areas. This is 3.5% below the national average of $43,740.
What is the highest paying city for Veterinary Technicians in Texas?
Austin, TX is the highest paying city for Veterinary Technicians in Texas, with a median salary of $45,557 per year. The lowest paying metro area is El Paso, TX at $37,564.
What is the salary range for Veterinary Technicians in Texas?
Veterinary Technician salaries in Texas range from $27,563 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $61,920 (experienced, 90th percentile). The median salary is $42,229 per year.
About This Data
Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey. State-level averages are calculated from metro area data within Texas. Figures represent 2026 estimates and may not reflect all employers or self-employed workers. Cost of living adjustments use regional indices to provide purchasing power context.