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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Lead Veterinary Technician in New Mexico is $42,750 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $21.
However, a Lead Veterinary Technician's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Lead Veterinary Technician Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $47,424 | $3,952 | $912 | $23 |
| Average | $42,750 | $3,562 | $822 | $21 |
| 25th Percentile | $39,360 | $3,280 | $757 | $19 |
TLC Pet Hospital - Albuquerque, NM
Lovelace Biomedical - Albuquerque, NM
Thrive Pet Healthcare - Las Cruces, NM
Good Shepherd Animal Clinic - Albuquerque, NM
A Lead Veterinary Technician's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Lead Veterinary Technician's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here’s how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Lead Veterinary Technician | $42,185 |
| Intermediate Level Lead Veterinary Technician | $42,420 |
| Senior Level Lead Veterinary Technician | $43,126 |
| Specialist Level Lead Veterinary Technician | $45,237 |
| Expert Level Lead Veterinary Technician | $46,290 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Lead Veterinary Technicians. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:
For Lead Veterinary Technician roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 60% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Pharmaceuticals and Hospitality & Leisure sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Lead Veterinary Technician positions in Retail & Wholesale or Business Services typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Lead Veterinary Technician as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmaceuticals | $55,574 | $27.0 | 30% |
| Hospitality & Leisure | $51,300 | $25.0 | 20% |
| Healthcare | $47,025 | $23.0 | 10% |
Understanding how a Lead Veterinary Technician's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $47,424 | $3,952 | $912 | $23 |
| Average | $42,750 | $3,562 | $822 | $21 |
| 25th Percentile | $39,360 | $3,280 | $757 | $19 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Lead Veterinary Technician job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
East Mountain Veterinary Service LLC
Edgewood, NM
East Mountain Veterinary Service LLC | Edgewood, NM
Looking for new or experienced Veterinary Technician/Assitants: Starting pay is$18/hour and up to $30 per hour depending on experience. Job is 3 days a wee... more
20 Days Ago
National Veterinary Association
Albuquerque, NM
National Veterinary Association | Albuquerque, NM
Job Posting. City: Albuquerque. State: New Mexico. Hospital Name: Manzano Animal Clinic. Job Type: Veterinary Technician more
5 Days Ago
Animal Hospital of Los Lunas
Los Lunas, NM
Animal Hospital of Los Lunas | Los Lunas, NM
Job Description. Job Description. We're Hiring. Veterinary Assistant. Animal Hospital of Los Lunas. Do you have a passion for animals and enjoy working in ... more
6 Days Ago
Ethos Veterinary Health
Albuquerque, NM
Ethos Veterinary Health | Albuquerque, NM
Veterinary Technician, Route 66 VECCC. Compensation: $22-27 per hour, depending on experience (DOE) Overnight Shift Differential: $3/hr. Route 66 Veterinar... more
6 Days Ago
AmeriVet Veterinary Partners
Bosque Farms, NM
AmeriVet Veterinary Partners | Bosque Farms, NM
Veterinary Technician Opportunity. Are you looking for a small-town lifestyle just 20 minutes from downtown Albuquerque. Do you have experience or want to ... more
7 Days Ago
Destination Pet
Santa Fe, NM
Destination Pet | Santa Fe, NM
REGISTERED VETERINARY TECHNICIAN. Location: Eldorado Animal Clinic - Santa Fe, NM. Wage Range: $25.00 - $30.00 /hr. $1,500 Sign on Bonus. $5,000 Relocation... more
8 Days Ago
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