Vet Tech salary

Shreveport vs Zachary: Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary (2026)

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

Shreveport, LA
$37,136
$17.85/hr
Zachary, LA
$34,538
$16.61/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricShreveport, LAZachary, LA
Median Salary$37,136$34,538
Hourly Rate$17.85$16.61
Entry Level (P10)$26,027$28,635
25th Percentile$31,998$29,700
75th Percentile$38,845$39,752
Top Earner (P90)$49,100$44,572
Total Employed1806
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Shreveport ($37,136) and Zachary ($34,538) veterinary technologist and technician salaries.ShreveportZacharyMedian Salary$37,136$34,538Entry Level (P10)$26,027$28,635Top Earner (P90)$49,100$44,572US Median $49,986

Verdict

Shreveport, LA offers better overall compensation for veterinary technologists and technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Zachary.

The salary gap between Shreveport and Zachary is $2,598 (7.52%). Shreveport's median is -25.71% compared to the US national median of $49,986.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Shreveport spans $23,073,Zachary spans $15,937. Shreveport has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Shreveport
P10 (Entry)$26,027
P25$31,998
Median$37,136
P75$38,845
P90 (Top)$49,100
Zachary
P10 (Entry)$28,635
P25$29,700
Median$34,538
P75$39,752
P90 (Top)$44,572

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Shreveport ($43,810 effective) pays 14.54% more than Zachary ($38,248 effective).

Shreveport
Nominal: $37,136
CoL Index: 84.766
Adjusted: $43,810
Zachary
Nominal: $34,538
CoL Index: 90.3
Adjusted: $38,248

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Shreveport if…

  • Higher median salary ($37,136/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($49,100)
  • Larger job market (180 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $43,810)
  • You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle

Choose Zachary if…

  • You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinary technologist and technician salaries in Shreveport grew 41.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 21.8% growth in Zachary over the same period.

Shreveport, LA

+41.9%

$24,810 (2019) → $35,200 (2025)

Zachary, LA

+21.8%

$26,874 (2024) → $32,737 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays veterinary technologist and technicians more: Shreveport or Zachary?

Shreveport has a higher median veterinary technologist and technician salary at $37,136/year, compared to Zachary at $34,538/year — a difference of $2,598 (7.52%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Shreveport and Zachary?

Shreveport veterinary technologist and technicians earn $17.85/hr while Zachary hygienists earn $16.61/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Shreveport to Zachary as a veterinary technologist and technician?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Shreveport and Zachary. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Shreveport = $43,810, Zachary = $38,248), job availability (180 vs 6 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level veterinary technologist and technicians earn in Shreveport vs Zachary?

Entry-level (10th percentile) veterinary technologist and technicians earn $26,027 in Shreveport and $28,635 in Zachary. The Zachary 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