Vet Tech salary

Baton Rouge vs Houma: Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary (2026)

Compare veterinary technologist and technician salaries between Baton Rouge, LA and Houma, LA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Baton Rouge, LA
$37,727
$18.14/hr
Houma, LA
$36,609
$17.60/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBaton Rouge, LAHouma, LA
Median Salary$37,727$36,609
Hourly Rate$18.14$17.60
Entry Level (P10)$30,395$31,144
25th Percentile$36,144$31,608
75th Percentile$48,119$38,244
Top Earner (P90)$51,104$52,233
Total Employed48050
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Baton Rouge ($37,727) and Houma ($36,609) veterinary technologist and technician salaries.Baton RougeHoumaMedian Salary$37,727$36,609Entry Level (P10)$30,395$31,144Top Earner (P90)$51,104$52,233US Median $49,986

Verdict

Baton Rouge, LA offers better overall compensation for veterinary technologists and technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Houma.

The salary gap between Baton Rouge and Houma is $1,118 (3.05%). Baton Rouge's median is -24.52% compared to the US national median of $49,986.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Baton Rouge spans $20,709,Houma spans $21,089. Houma has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced veterinary technologist and technicians.

Baton Rouge
P10 (Entry)$30,395
P25$36,144
Median$37,727
P75$48,119
P90 (Top)$51,104
Houma
P10 (Entry)$31,144
P25$31,608
Median$36,609
P75$38,244
P90 (Top)$52,233

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Houma ($43,017 effective) pays 3.51% more than Baton Rouge ($41,559 effective).

Baton Rouge
Nominal: $37,727
CoL Index: 90.78
Adjusted: $41,559
Houma
Nominal: $36,609
CoL Index: 85.103
Adjusted: $43,017

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Baton Rouge if…

  • Higher median salary ($37,727/year)
  • Larger job market (480 employed)
  • You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle

Choose Houma if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($52,233)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $43,017)
  • You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinary technologist and technician salaries in Baton Rouge grew 19.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 19.6% growth in Houma over the same period.

Baton Rouge, LA

+19.6%

$29,890 (2019) → $35,760 (2025)

Houma, LA

+19.6%

$29,020 (2021) → $34,700 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays veterinary technologist and technicians more: Baton Rouge or Houma?

Baton Rouge has a higher median veterinary technologist and technician salary at $37,727/year, compared to Houma at $36,609/year — a difference of $1,118 (3.05%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Baton Rouge and Houma?

Baton Rouge veterinary technologist and technicians earn $18.14/hr while Houma hygienists earn $17.60/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Baton Rouge to Houma as a veterinary technologist and technician?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Baton Rouge and Houma. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Baton Rouge = $41,559, Houma = $43,017), job availability (480 vs 50 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level veterinary technologist and technicians earn in Baton Rouge vs Houma?

Entry-level (10th percentile) veterinary technologist and technicians earn $30,395 in Baton Rouge and $31,144 in Houma. The Houma area offers higher starting salaries.
JL

Written by Jordan Lee, CVT

Career Analyst

Jordan has 10 years of experience in veterinary technology. They specialize in emergency care. Jordan has worked in both clinic and hospital settings.

Clinically reviewed by Sofia Patel, RVTData verified by Mark Chen, LVT

Methodology & Data Source

All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.50% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.

Data Sources & Methodology

Source: BLS, OEWS , released .

Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, CVT, a licensed veterinary technologist and technician with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov