Agriculture & Environment Las Cruces, NM Pop. 111,385

Veterinary Technician Salary in Las Cruces, New Mexico

The median veterinary technician salary in Las Cruces, NM is $33,660 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 5.4% below the New Mexico state average.

City Median
$33,660
vs State Avg
$-1,913
vs National
$-4,590
Cost of Living
88%

Veterinary Technician Pay in Las Cruces: What to Expect (2026)

Las Cruces offers a median veterinary technician salary of $33,660, which is $1,913 below the New Mexico state average of $35,573. Compared to the national median of $38,250, Las Cruces pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Las Cruces's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $33,660 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $38,250 in an average-cost city. This makes Las Cruces an attractive option for veterinary technicians seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for veterinary technicians in Las Cruces spans from $23,760 at the 10th percentile to $48,400 at the 90th percentile — a $24,640 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $25,520, while senior veterinary technicians with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $46,640. With a population of 111,385, Las Cruces is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Veterinary Technician Salary in Las Cruces by Experience

In Las Cruces, an entry-level veterinary technician earns around $25,520, while experienced professionals earn up to $46,640 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$25,520
$-3,480 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$34,320
$-4,680 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$46,640
$-6,360 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Las Cruces, NM

Percentile Las Cruces
10th Percentile $23,760
25th Percentile $28,160
Median (50th) $33,660
75th Percentile $40,480
90th Percentile $48,400

Veterinary Technician Salary in Other New Mexico Cities

Santa Fe, NM
$42,075
Pop. 87,505
Albuquerque, NM
$36,338
Pop. 564,559
Rio Rancho, NM
$35,190
Pop. 104,046
Roswell, NM
$31,365
Pop. 48,422

How to Become a Veterinary Technician in Las Cruces

Education

Most veterinary technician positions require a associate's degree. Las Cruces 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 Las Cruces may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Veterinary Technician Jobs in Las Cruces

Browse open veterinary technician positions in Las Cruces, NM:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Veterinary Technician Salary in Las Cruces

How much does a Veterinary Technician make in Las Cruces, NM? ▼
The median veterinary technician salary in Las Cruces, New Mexico is $33,660 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $38,250. Salaries range from $23,760 (10th percentile) to $48,400 (90th percentile).
How much does a Veterinary Technician make per hour in Las Cruces? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $33,660, a veterinary technician in Las Cruces earns approximately $16 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Las Cruces compare to the New Mexico state average for veterinary technician pay? ▼
Las Cruces's median veterinary technician salary of $33,660 is 5.4% below the New Mexico state average of $35,573. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Las Cruces, NM? ▼
Las Cruces has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a veterinary technician salary of $33,660 in Las Cruces has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a veterinary technician in Las Cruces? ▼
Most veterinary technician positions in Las Cruces 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.