Agriculture & Environment Albuquerque, NM Pop. 564,559

Veterinary Technician Salary in Albuquerque, New Mexico

The median veterinary technician salary in Albuquerque, NM is $36,338 per year, which is 5% below the national median and 2.2% above the New Mexico state average.

City Median
$36,338
vs State Avg
+$765
vs National
$-1,912
Cost of Living
95%

Veterinary Technician Pay in Albuquerque: What to Expect (2026)

Albuquerque offers a median veterinary technician salary of $36,338, which is $765 above the New Mexico state average of $35,573. Compared to the national median of $38,250, Albuquerque pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Albuquerque's cost of living is 95% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for veterinary technicians in Albuquerque spans from $25,650 at the 10th percentile to $52,250 at the 90th percentile — a $26,600 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $27,550, while senior veterinary technicians with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $50,350. As a major metro area with a population of 564,559, Albuquerque typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Veterinary Technician Salary in Albuquerque by Experience

In Albuquerque, an entry-level veterinary technician earns around $27,550, while experienced professionals earn up to $50,350 per year. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$27,550
$-1,450 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$37,050
$-1,950 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$50,350
$-2,650 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Albuquerque, NM

Percentile Albuquerque
10th Percentile $25,650
25th Percentile $30,400
Median (50th) $36,338
75th Percentile $43,700
90th Percentile $52,250

Veterinary Technician Salary in Other New Mexico Cities

Santa Fe, NM
$42,075
Pop. 87,505
Rio Rancho, NM
$35,190
Pop. 104,046
Las Cruces, NM
$33,660
Pop. 111,385
Roswell, NM
$31,365
Pop. 48,422

How to Become a Veterinary Technician in Albuquerque

Education

Most veterinary technician positions require a associate's degree. Albuquerque and the surrounding New Mexico area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Animal CareLab TechniquesRadiologyAnesthesiaMedical RecordsClient Communication

Job Outlook

Nationally, veterinary technician employment is projected to grow 20% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Albuquerque may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Veterinary Technician Jobs in Albuquerque

Browse open veterinary technician positions in Albuquerque, NM:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Veterinary Technician Salary in Albuquerque

How much does a Veterinary Technician make in Albuquerque, NM? ▼
The median veterinary technician salary in Albuquerque, New Mexico is $36,338 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $38,250. Salaries range from $25,650 (10th percentile) to $52,250 (90th percentile).
How much does a Veterinary Technician make per hour in Albuquerque? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $36,338, a veterinary technician in Albuquerque earns approximately $17 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Albuquerque compare to the New Mexico state average for veterinary technician pay? ▼
Albuquerque's median veterinary technician salary of $36,338 is 2.2% above the New Mexico state average of $35,573. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Albuquerque, NM? ▼
Albuquerque has a cost of living index of 95% compared to the national average. This means a veterinary technician salary of $36,338 in Albuquerque has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a veterinary technician in Albuquerque? ▼
Most veterinary technician positions in Albuquerque require a associate's degree. Key skills include Animal Care, Lab Techniques, Radiology, Anesthesia. The job market is projected to grow 20% nationally over the next decade.