What Salary Can You Earn as a Vet Tech in Texas? (2024)

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Texas A&M University Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, College Station TX:

As part of the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, this teaching hospital provides comprehensive veterinary care and serves as a training ground for future veterinarians and vet techs. The hospital offers services in small animal, large animal and exotic animal care, providing a diverse work environment.

Banfield Pet Hospital, Dallas, Fort Worth, San Antonio and multiple locations, TX:

Banfield Pet Hospital operates numerous veterinary clinics throughout Texas, primarily focusing on small animal care. Known for its extensive network of clinics, Banfield provides preventive care, routine check-ups and minor surgeries, offering vet techs a consistent and supportive work environment.

Elanco Animal Health, Fort Worth, TX:

Elanco is a global leader in animal health, offering products and services for both livestock and companion animals. Their Fort Worth facility focuses on research, development and production of animal health products, providing vet techs opportunities in clinical research, labs and product support.

Dallas Zoo, Dallas, TX:

The Dallas Zoo is one of the largest zoos in Texas and provides comprehensive veterinary care for a diverse range of species, including wildlife and exotic animals. Vet techs working at the zoo are involved in medical treatments, surgeries and health monitoring of the zoo’s animal residents, making it an exciting and varied workplace.

Petco Animal Supplies, Inc., Houston, Dallas and multiple locations, TX:

Petco operates veterinary clinics within some of its stores across Texas, offering a variety of pet care services. Vet techs at Petco’s clinics are involved in preventive care, wellness checks and basic medical procedures for small animals, providing a community-focused work environment.

Median veterinary technician salary in Texas

The median annual salary for vet techs in Texas is $35,700, which is lower than the national median. Texas does not rank in the top five highest paying states in the U.S. said the BLS. However, as noted above, Texas is the number one state in the U.S. for employment of vet techs. It’s important to note that salaries may be higher or lower based on location within the state, and considering Texas’ size, it’s surprising there are no areas that rank for highest pay according to the BLS’ top 10 list. The salary widget below provides the median national wage along with data for different metro areas in Texas, listed by highest paying first.

Salary range for Texas vet techs

The salary range for vet techs in Texas typically spans from $27,540 to $48,980 per year. This accounts for entry-level positions to senior-level roles and takes into consideration other factors such as experience, education, specialty and time in the position.

Pay by metro area within Texas

Your earning level may depend upon where you live within a state. For example, cities tend to pay better than rural or less populated areas. If your city is an industry hub, say for example you work in veterinary medicine and you live in a city that has several high profile vet stores such as Petco (Houston has 14 locations alone, Dallas has four), or a veterinary school such as College Station’s Texas A&M, pay may be more competitive. That said, here’s what the BLS reports as highest paying cities in the U.S.

Not surprisingly, Texas metro areas rank highly for largest employment of vet techs in the U.S., with the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington area ranking number two in the country, and Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land taking the number four spot for highest employment.

Salary growth and job outlook

The market for veterinary technicians in Texas is growing, with the BLS projecting 20.5% growth over the next decade. The veterinary industry is expanding due to factors such as population growth, increased pet ownership and advancements in veterinary medicine. This growth may ensure a steady demand for skilled vet techs. Some of the reasons for the growth in Texas include the following:

1. Population growth: Texas has one of the fastest-growing populations in the U.S. This population increase leads to a higher number of pet owners, thereby driving up demand for veterinary services.
2. Economic strength: Texas has a robust and diverse economy, which supports growth in various sectors, including healthcare and veterinary services. The strong economy allows residents to spend more on pet care and veterinary services.
3. Agricultural industry: Texas has a significant agricultural industry, being one of the leading states in livestock production, including cattle, poultry and horses. This large livestock sector requires extensive veterinary services, contributing to the demand for veterinary technicians specialized in large animal care.
4. Pet ownership trends: There is a strong culture of pet ownership in Texas. As more households adopt pets, the need for veterinary care, including preventive, emergency and specialty services, continues to rise.
5. Urbanization: The urbanization of cities like Austin, Dallas, Houston and San Antonio has led to an increase in pet-friendly amenities and services. Urban pet owners often seek high-quality veterinary care, which boosts the industry.
6. Advancements in veterinary medicine: Technological and medical advancements in veterinary care are leading to better diagnostics, treatments and preventive care options. These advancements require skilled veterinary technicians, thereby increasing job opportunities in the field.
7. Educational institutions: Texas is home to several reputable veterinary schools and training programs, such as those at Texas A&M University. These institutions not only produce a steady stream of qualified vet techs but also contribute to the industry’s growth through research and innovation.
8. Agricultural events and fairs: Texas hosts numerous agricultural events, rodeos and fairs that showcase livestock and pets. These events often require veterinary services, further driving demand for veterinary professionals.

Cost of living:

The cost of living varies significantly across Texas. Vet techs working in urban areas like Austin, Dallas, Houston and San Antonio may earn higher salaries to offset the higher cost of living in these cities compared to those working in rural areas.

Demand:

Areas with a higher demand for veterinary services, driven by factors such as pet ownership rates and livestock populations, often offer higher pay. Urban centers and regions with significant agricultural activities tend to have higher demand and, consequently, higher salaries.

Employer type:

The type of employer may significantly impact pay. Vet techs working in specialty or emergency animal hospitals, research facilities or large animal practices may earn more than those in general small animal clinics. Employers such as Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, which offer advanced and specialty care, typically pay higher salaries.

Regional economic conditions:

The economic health of different regions within Texas can affect salaries. Areas with thriving economies, such as the oil-rich regions of West Texas or the tech hubs in Austin, may offer higher pay due to overall higher wages and competition for skilled workers.

Educational background:

Vet techs with advanced certifications or degrees may have higher earning potential. Texas has several accredited veterinary technology programs that provide opportunities for vet techs to enhance their qualifications and increase their pay.

Advocacy:

Professional associations such as the Texas Veterinary Medical Association (TVMA) play a role in advocating for better pay and working conditions for vet techs. Active involvement in these associations may lead to improved industry standards and pay scales.

How do I know if I am paid fairly as a vet tech in Texas?

If you believe you are unfairly paid as a veterinary technician in Texas, and it is not related to discrimination based on protected classes, here are steps you can take to try and rectify the situation:

• Collect information: Look up salary data for veterinary technicians in your area. Websites like Glassdoor, Payscale and the Bureau of Labor Statistics can provide insight into average salaries for your role and experience level. Check job postings for similar positions in your region to understand the prevailing wages. Contact organizations such as the Texas Veterinary Medical Association (TVMA) for salary surveys and industry standards.
• Assess your work performance and reflect on your contributions, skills and any additional responsibilities you handle compared to peers who may be paid at a higher wage but do the same work. Document specific examples of your value to the practice. Make sure your certifications, education and any specialized training are up to date and relevant.
• Request a meeting with your supervisor or employer. Share your research and the reasons you believe your current pay is not reflective of your contributions and market standards. Listen to your employer’s perspective and be prepared for a discussion about your role and performance. If your employer is receptive, discuss possible salary adjustments, additional benefits or other forms of compensation. Make sure to follow up on any agreement that is reached.
• If no agreement is reached or your request is denied, look for opportunities within the organization that might come with higher pay, such as promotions or additional responsibilities. If your employer is unwilling or unable to meet your salary expectations, consider exploring job opportunities with other veterinary practices or institutions in Texas.
• Seek legal advice or file a complaint, especially if you believe you are being paid unfairly due to discrimination or violation of labor laws. You may want to consider consulting with the Texas State Bar Lawyer Referral Service to explore your legal options. You can also file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Labor. More information can be found at the Office of the Commissioner Representing Labor under the texas Workforce Commission.

Veterinary Team Association of Texas (VTAT): VTAT offers many benefits to members including discounted NAVTA annual membership, discounted attendance on select conferences, networking opportunities, continuing education and VTNE and CVA exam scholarships.

Texas Veterinary Medical Association (TVMA): TVMA provides the continuing education, tools, resources and support Texas veterinary technicians need to help them be successful.

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