Vet Tech salary

Hernando vs Jackson: Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary (2026)

Compare veterinary technologist and technician salaries between Hernando, MS and Jackson, MS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Hernando, MS
$40,327
$19.39/hr
Jackson, MS
$38,697
$18.60/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricHernando, MSJackson, MS
Median Salary$40,327$38,697
Hourly Rate$19.39$18.60
Entry Level (P10)$30,701$32,125
25th Percentile$34,372$33,317
75th Percentile$48,442$42,400
Top Earner (P90)$51,674$51,220
Total Employed6150
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Hernando ($40,327) and Jackson ($38,697) veterinary technologist and technician salaries.HernandoJacksonMedian Salary$40,327$38,697Entry Level (P10)$30,701$32,125Top Earner (P90)$51,674$51,220US Median $49,986

Verdict

Hernando, MS offers better overall compensation for veterinary technologists and technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Jackson.

The salary gap between Hernando and Jackson is $1,630 (4.21%). Hernando's median is -19.32% compared to the US national median of $49,986.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Hernando spans $20,973,Jackson spans $19,095. Hernando has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Hernando
P10 (Entry)$30,701
P25$34,372
Median$40,327
P75$48,442
P90 (Top)$51,674
Jackson
P10 (Entry)$32,125
P25$33,317
Median$38,697
P75$42,400
P90 (Top)$51,220

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Hernando ($47,056 effective) pays 8.28% more than Jackson ($43,456 effective).

Hernando
Nominal: $40,327
CoL Index: 85.7
Adjusted: $47,056
Jackson
Nominal: $38,697
CoL Index: 89.048
Adjusted: $43,456

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Hernando if…

  • Higher median salary ($40,327/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($51,674)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $47,056)
  • You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle

Choose Jackson if…

  • Larger job market (150 employed)
  • You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinary technologist and technician salaries in Hernando grew 57.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -4.3% growth in Jackson over the same period.

Hernando, MS

+57.9%

$24,203 (2024) → $38,225 (2025)

Jackson, MS

+-4.3%

$38,340 (2019) → $36,680 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays veterinary technologist and technicians more: Hernando or Jackson?

Hernando has a higher median veterinary technologist and technician salary at $40,327/year, compared to Jackson at $38,697/year — a difference of $1,630 (4.21%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Hernando and Jackson?

Hernando veterinary technologist and technicians earn $19.39/hr while Jackson hygienists earn $18.60/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Hernando to Jackson as a veterinary technologist and technician?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Hernando and Jackson. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Hernando = $47,056, Jackson = $43,456), job availability (6 vs 150 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level veterinary technologist and technicians earn in Hernando vs Jackson?

Entry-level (10th percentile) veterinary technologist and technicians earn $30,701 in Hernando and $32,125 in Jackson. The Jackson 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