Vet Tech salary

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

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

Jackson, MS
$38,697
$18.60/hr
Madison, MS
$42,253
$20.31/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricJackson, MSMadison, MS
Median Salary$38,697$42,253
Hourly Rate$18.60$20.31
Entry Level (P10)$32,125$31,150
25th Percentile$33,317$36,242
75th Percentile$42,400$49,830
Top Earner (P90)$51,220$53,030
Total Employed1505
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Jackson ($38,697) and Madison ($42,253) veterinary technologist and technician salaries.JacksonMadisonMedian Salary$38,697$42,253Entry Level (P10)$32,125$31,150Top Earner (P90)$51,220$53,030US Median $49,986

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Jackson and Madison is $3,556 (9.19%). Madison's median is -15.47% compared to the US national median of $49,986.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Jackson spans $19,095,Madison spans $21,880. Madison has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced veterinary technologist and technicians.

Jackson
P10 (Entry)$32,125
P25$33,317
Median$38,697
P75$42,400
P90 (Top)$51,220
Madison
P10 (Entry)$31,150
P25$36,242
Median$42,253
P75$49,830
P90 (Top)$53,030

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Madison ($49,303 effective) pays 13.45% more than Jackson ($43,456 effective).

Jackson
Nominal: $38,697
CoL Index: 89.048
Adjusted: $43,456
Madison
Nominal: $42,253
CoL Index: 85.7
Adjusted: $49,303

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Jackson if…

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

Choose Madison if…

  • Higher median salary ($42,253/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($53,030)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $49,303)
  • You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinary technologist and technician salaries in Jackson grew -4.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 57.9% growth in Madison over the same period.

Jackson, MS

+-4.3%

$38,340 (2019) → $36,680 (2025)

Madison, MS

+57.9%

$25,359 (2024) → $40,050 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Madison has a higher median veterinary technologist and technician salary at $42,253/year, compared to Jackson at $38,697/year — a difference of $3,556 (9.19%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Jackson and Madison?

Jackson veterinary technologist and technicians earn $18.60/hr while Madison hygienists earn $20.31/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Jackson and Madison. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Jackson = $43,456, Madison = $49,303), job availability (150 vs 5 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) veterinary technologist and technicians earn $32,125 in Jackson and $31,150 in Madison. 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